VSU to host annual women's conference

Valdosta State University will host the eighth annual Interdisciplinary Women's Studies Conference on March 13-15, in the University Center.

This year's conference is titled "Are We There Yet?" and will feature a dance performance, panel discussions and lectures. All sessions are open to the public free of charge.

Peggy McIntosh, associate director of the Wellesley College Center for Research on Women, will present "How Privilege Systems Undermine U.S. Educational Ideals" on Thursday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. and "Campus Leadership on Race and Gender" on Friday, March 14 at 9 a.m. McIntosh will also conduct additional workshops aimed primarily for student campus leaders.

VSU's Women's Studies and the Valdosta Theatre Guild have joined forces to present "Nickel and Dimed: On Not Getting by in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich, at 8 p.m. on March 14 and 15, at The Dosta Playhouse, 122 N. Ashley Street. Cost is $6 per person.

The play is an account of Ehrenreich's undercover investigation of low-income jobs and the struggles faced by individuals who are unable to escape such occupations. Ehrenreich authenticated her story by working low-income jobs that did not allow for "extras" including medicine and often times rent. She tells the story of women who lived in their cars or cheap motels, while struggling to support their children.

Proceed from the play will benefit the 211 Non-Emergency Line, sponsored by the Coalition for the Homeless, and the Valdosta Living Wage Campaign.