poster courtesy Femiss.
This semester, a new feminist organization joined the University’s campus, and it is the first of its kind. The organization is called FEMISS, short for Feminist Empowerment but more commonly known as the Feminist Majority. FEMISS seeks to expand and develop the visibility and experience of women on the University of Mississippi campus through programs that inspire equality and empowerment.
“The need for representation for strong women on campus is greater now,” Elizabeth Fielder, graduate student and current FEMISS president, said. “Women who believe in cultural and social equality are numerous on this campus. The entire Sarah Isom Center and groups such as Rebels Against Sexual Assault, the LGBTQ+ community and countless others– we’re all communicating through one another to show how inclusive this college can be.”
The organization aims to give women on campus the voice that they so desperately need and deserve, according to Fielder. The Feminist Majority is directly coordinated with the Sarah Isom Center, and the organization welcomes all students and encourages men and women alike to participate.
They hosted a membership drive March 8 and meet-and-greet on March 24.
“Last semester, one of the organizers from the national organization came to campus to discuss reopening a chapter here. A group of us were very interested,” Fielder said.
Between then and now, the Feminist Majority has already organized their first event, Cabaret Night, which will be held tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at Shelter on Van Buren. Attendees can expect a night of spoken word poetry, live music, art and comedy. Many of these performers are local artists. The night will kick off with poetry, and then Ines Joris will perform a comedy act, which will then be followed by an art option. One of the local musicians planning to perform is Oxford duo Catfish Pie. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the event. Donations will be taken up at the door and all of the proceeds will support the University of Mississippi Violence Prevention Office. This event is also being held in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The goal of Cabaret Night is to raise awareness about the feminist presence on the University’s campus, while celebrating FEMISS joining the University this semester. Cabaret Night is important because it will highlight the University community’s growing feminist population, which is essential in light of recent events on our campus.
“[Cabaret Night] is significant because it shows that Oxford has a vibrant feminist presence,” Fielder said. “Audiences should expect a lot of talented women getting up on stage and a lot of positive support from each other and the community,” which is exactly what Cabaret Night and the Feminist Majority is all about. The group along with Cabaret Night “is a collective effort of anyone who wants to step up and pitch in,” according to Fielder. She encourages everyone to “come get involved” and participate in the newly founded organization. She emphasizes, “We welcome absolutely everyone and anybody.”
