Readings, film screening set at SMSU

‘Out of Silence’ Readings March 4 at SMSU

A series of readings, “Out of Silence: Abortion Stories from the 1 in 3 Campaign” will be held on Monday, March 4 at 7 p.m. in the Conference Center, lower level, on the campus of Southwest Minnesota State University.

The readings are part of Women’s History Month events at SMSU.

The 1 in 3 Campaign is a grassroots movement to start a new conversation about abortion. It hopes to end the stigma and shame women are made to feel about abortion. By sharing stories, it’s the group’s goal to build a culture of compassion, empathy and support for access to basic health care.

The event will feature live readings of vignettes from actual women and men and is sponsored by the Women’s Studies Committee and SMSU Feminist Club.

For more information, contact Maureen.Sander-Staudt@smsu.edu.

‘FarmHer’ Film Screening March 7 at SMSU

Marshall, Minn. — A screening of the film, “FarmHer,” will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 7 in Charter Hall 201 on the campus of Southwest Minnesota State University.

“FarmHer” is a 2013 film by Marji Gulyer-Alaniz, a photographer who has devoted her life to photographing women farmers. Gulyer-Alaniz will join the event via Skype.

The documentary follows women farmers and ranchers around the country, and visits with them about what it is like to be a woman in what is typically thought of as a man's world. They all vary in age, ethnicity, and the type of farming and ranching they do.

Following the screening, a panel discussion will be held featuring a diverse group of women involved in Minnesota farming. The panel includes:

• Dr. Kristin Kovar, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Education at SMSU

• Ruth Lanoue, RN, farm wife and mother of 6

• Carolyn Olson, Minnesota Farm Bureau District III Director, and farmer

• Olga Reuvekamp, Executive Director, Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (MARL)

The event is a part of Women’s History Month activities at SMSU. It is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the SMSU Women’s Studies Committee and the SMSU Feminist Club.

For more information, contact: Marueen.Sanders-Staudt@smsu.edu.