The first-ever ASUO Venus Festival begins today, giving students and community members a chance to explore issues concerning women and have some fun as well.
“We have everything from belly dancing to yoga,” ASUO Health and Women’s Advocate Diana Aguilar said.
The festival begins in the EMU Amphitheater at 10 a.m. with information tables from various groups and a chance for students to register for any of the 26 workshops that will take place throughout the weekend. Various musical performers will also be featured during the day.
The workshops, which focus on topics such as women’s health care activism and gender diversity, run Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. in the EMU River Rooms. Students and members from several organizations will lead the workshops.
“It’s really going to be great to see some students our age putting on these workshops,” Aguilar said. “It’s really empowering.”
ASUO President Rachel Pilliod said the workshops will provide an atmosphere to discuss topics that aren’t normally addressed at home or in class, such as reproductive rights and sexual assault.
Other workshops will feature dancing and folk music performances.
“It’s a weekend of both education and fun,” ASUO Greek Advocate Clarissa Chan said. “You get the best of both worlds.”
While the festival may seem geared toward women, Chan said participation by men is just as important because many women’s issues concern everyone.
“It’s also a good way (for men) to learn about issues and get our perspectives,” she said.
Aguilar said an important aspect of the festival is that it will enable groups of women from different walks of life to come together.
“They’re all women, and they’re all strong leaders on campus,”
she said.
Free child care will be provided on Saturday and Sunday from
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the EMU Child Care and Development Center.
“Usually, I think parents are less accessible in campus resources and events,” said Sayaka Mimura, a member of the ASUO Women’s Center, who helped organize the child care services.
The festival, co-sponsored by organizations including the National Organization for Women, EMU Club Sports and the YWCA, will conclude Sunday evening with a banquet. The banquet will feature a performance by the Jazz Quartet, among others. Keynote speakers include Office of Multicultural Affairs Director Carla Gary and Kitty Piercy of Planned Parenthood.
The price for registration, which includes access to all events throughout the weekend, is $5 for students, staff and faculty and $10 for general admission.
Pilliod said the money raised from registration fees will help offset the cost of the festival.
“Overall, there will be a sense of empowerment, and that’s what this is all about,” Pilliod said.