By Vanessa Sanchez
Even though we would all like to think that every individual is treated equally, there are some within our society that do not have the same mentality.
Sexism is one type of discrimination that has always been a part of our world. Equal rights for women has been a struggle to achieve. Even now, living in a “modern” world, women still come across issues that only surface because of their gender.
It is issues like these that clubs such as Women of Action strive to end.
“We believe in equality for everyone,” says Amanda Mastrangelo, one of the eldest members of Women of Action. “We just want to raise awareness of issues that affect women in our society.” Women of Action is a small yet effective club on the University’s campus. Through their past and future events, they strive to educate our community.
Last October, they participated in the annual “Take Back the Night” rally. This event began in the ’70s, and it is a rally that takes place every year in order to fight towards the termination of domestic violence. “People participate in this day throughout many Universities and communities,” says Mastrangelo. “It is a nationwide event.”
W.O.A is not only concerned with their agenda, they also show constant support to other clubs and organizations on campus.
Last semester, they bought a table at Sigma Iota Alpha’s First Annual One Heartland Banquet. All of the money that SIA rose (about $5,000) went to One Heartland, an organization that holds a camp for children whose lives are impacted by HIV/AIDS. This semester, W.O.A participated with the members of V-Day in the Sex Toy Raffle. The money raised at the event went towards the production of V-Day, which then donated all of its proceeds to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
An upcoming event that Women of Action is working on is their third annual drag show. This event is held in conjunction with the Gay Straight Alliance. In the past, this show has been a success, and the money raised goes towards an association that focuses on transgender youth. Also, since March is Women’s History month, an event by W.O.A is in the works.
Many people may not know about the accomplishments and future plans of Women of Action. The members of this club make a difference on our campus, and Cheryl Curry is proof of this. Last year, The Office of Student Leadership and Activities awarded her “Hofstra Woman of the Year.” This is something that is a “big deal,” as Mastrangelo put it, because it is not given to just any woman.
Women of Action meets every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. in the small clubs office. They want students to know that they are open to anyone that is interested. “We don’t have an e-board, so everything that we do is a group effort,” says Mastrangelo. “I would just say that we are a really friendly community.”