Uncovering a Global Underclass: Women Made Visible

The latest slew of anti-discrimination laws, global aid provisions and national commitments to human rights have been giving a false sense that advanced industrial democracies are moving towards an eradication of inequality. Not only does such fanfare fall short of its aims, it has permitted a silent recreation of new mechanisms that exact old discriminations. Colonialism, racism, and fascism are not dissipating but rather, are transforming their scope in a globalizing world.

A cross section of women's experiences show the intermingling of discriminatory forces most clearly and thus, we set out to cover aspects of the modern global underclass through women. Arun Kundnani, deputy editor of London's Institute for Race Relations, will begin by explaining the concepts of "underclass" and "global underclass" before discussing one way religion is being used to reinforce discriminations. Jane Berger, visiting fellow at Cornell University's Industrial and Labor Relations School, will next explain how the modern global underclass came into being by exploring ways that global economic transformations of the late twentieth century disadvantaged poor women around the world.

When: Tuesday, March 3rd at 4:30pm

Where: AD White House

Kris Holloway

Kris Holloway, author of Monique and the Mango Rains: Two Years with a Midwife in Mali, Peace Corps volunteer, and natural health specialist will speak on her experiences in Mali, West Africa from 1989-1991. Ms. Holloway holds a master's degree in public health from the University of Michigan where she focused her research on maternal and child health.

This event is hosted by Cornell Health International.

When: Thursday, March 5th at 4:30pm

Where: Plant Sciences 233

Challenging the State: Advocacy for Women's Rights Internationally

Panelists include Andrea Parrot (Professor of Policy Analysis & Management, CU), N'Dri Assie-Lumumba (Professor of Africana Studies, CU), Kathryn S. March (Professor of Anthropology, CU), and Tyrell Haberkorn (Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, Colgate). Shelley Feldman (Professor of Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, CU) will be moderating. Look here for more detailed biographies of the panelists and moderator.

When: Monday, March 9th at 4:30pm

Where: Rockefeller 122

Sexism in the U.S. Workplace

Panelists include Francine Blau (Professor of Labor Economics, CU), Sherry Colb (Professor of Law, CU), Mary Katzenstein (Professor of Government and Professor of Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, CU), Marcia Pappas (President of NOW - New York), and Karen Pastrorello (Chair of Women in Gender Studies and Professor of History, TC3). Look here for more detailed biographies of the panelists.

When: Wednesday, March 11th at 4:30pm

Where: Ives 105

The Women's Movement:
Where to from Here?

The discussion with dessert and refreshments will be led by Marcia Pappas, President of the National Organization for Women- New York.

When: Wednesday, March 11th at 8pm

Where: Keeton House