Activists, students, faculty and staff came together to discuss literature, politics and reform at EqualiTea, an annual event held in honor of March being Women’s History Month.

The event was presented by the Grand Valley State University Women’s Center and co-sponsored by The American Association of University Women Grand Rapids Chapter on March 26 from 3-5 p.m. in the Pere Marquette room of the Kirkhof Center.

Tea, snacks, and conversation were all present.

JoAnn Wassenaar of the Women’s Center was a main player in making this event happen.

“The goal of this event is to have people come together to have serious conversation about issues and events happening in their lives and across the state and nation,” Wassenaar said.

The event’s ongoing theme of activism was shown through student performances of the play, “That Takes Ovaries,” telling real stories from GVSU students about their struggles with feminine issues.

People in attendance also got a sneak peek of the performance “LOUDMOUTHS: A Slice of the UN-Silenced Pie,” which will take place April 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Overbrook Theater. The event will be free to the public.

Lauren LeFurge, an intern at the Women’s Center said she felt that the event was a success, and appreciated the time and effort volunteers put into it.

“I think it was nice to incorporate the performance art aspects to the event so you can see the different avenues and facets of women’s struggles,” LeFurge said.

This was the tenth EqualiTea event put on by the Women’s Center, and members plan to continue to incorporate it into Women’s History month annually.

Discussion of women’s views on silence, equality, and complicity ran rampant after the speakers presented. Not only did this event spark interest, it sparked meaningful conversation.

“Any time you can fill a room and have a lot of engaged participation, that shows success,” Wassanaar said. “This was a good opportunity to bring staff, faculty, and students together.”
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