Women of Color Wednesdays: A Safe Space for Expression & Tough Conversations
Women of color often have to deal with discrimination on the account of their identity as women, but also as people of color. This can make it difficult to cultivate a sense of belonging and pride in identity. The office of Diversity & Inclusion, sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center, has created Women of Color Wednesdays (WOCW) programming in response to this challenge. One Wednesday a month, women of color on Bucknell’s campus, whether they be students, staff, or faculty, get together in an opportunity to both socialize and discuss the issues surrounding the intersectionality of being a woman of color. The safe space that’s created from such an event allows for such women who don’t necessarily have other spaces to congregate and meet with other women with similar struggles and concerns. In practice as well, this has especially resonated among young women of color seeking a place where they can truly be themselves.
Student Sherab Dorji ’22, described that having a space where women of color from all backgrounds can go to share their lived experiences and have intelligent discussions is welcoming and she hopes to see it continue.
In addition to topic-focused group discussions, food, and socializing, each time they convene they participate in a different activity that focuses on important practices such as self-care, self-expression, and self-love. Some of these have included making custom room sprays, expressing themselves through painting canvases, and decompressing through coloring.
Women of Color Wednesdays will continue through the Spring semester and all those who identify as a woman of color, students, faculty, and staff alike are welcome to come. The next WOCW will take place on February 16th from 4-6pm. For more information please email diversity@bucknell.edu.