We have been talking about travelling and feminism throughout these couple of weeks here on Her Campus Helsinki. Below you can find some suggestions on how you can combine these two marvelous matters!
Feminism and women’s role in society have been topics of discussion for a while now. Especially movements and campaigns such as #METOO and #TIMESUP have made us realize, finally, that something needs to change fundamentally. We are still facing the horrendous facts about sexual harassment in the workplace and the gender pay gap, which proves that human rights are not fully respected.
UNESCO considers gender equality as a fundamental human right. UNESCO states that “gender equality is a critical factor for the achievement of all internationally agreed development goals as well as a goal in and of itself”. According to UNESCO, only 17% of all the profiles on Wikipedia are of women. This needs to change, and I agree with UNESCO – we need to bridge the gender gap in the digital space!
UNESCO has launched, in association with Wikimedia, an initiative called #WIKI4WOMEN to create, translate and enrich, in any language, Wikipedia portraits of women. As we are talking about UNESCO, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, we are especially looking at women who are working, or have worked, in the fields of education, science, culture, social and human resources, and/or communication and information.
So, take part in this initiative and write about powerful, intelligent women. Look outside the box and find interesting, motivating and incredible women around the world (or Europe – considering our student budgets) to write about!
How about taking a feminist road trip around Europe? Though, keep in mind the sustainable development goals of the UN while travelling, and choose eco-friendly travelling options.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and support gender equality!
1. Enjoying the Spring in Paris and Versailles
Multiple museums in Paris display the lives and work of women. On a sunny day, you can take a walk to your nearest public park that has statues of notable women to learn about. Added bonus is to visit Paris in spring – all the flowers will make you swoon!
Once you have explored Paris enough, take a short trip to the decadent Versailles. Women had an important role in diminishing the French ruling class in the French Revolution. When peasants, mostly women, stormed to the palace of Versailles to demand justice, they were the first to initiate the revolution. In fact, the beginning of the revolution is often called the “Women’s March” of 1789.
2. Doing Research in Warsaw
You know whom I am going to mention, when discussing Poland – the groundbreaking Marie Curie.
The Maria Skłodowska-Curie Museum (Muzeum Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie in Polish) is a museum located in Warsaw. The museum is devoted to the life and work of Polish two-time Nobel laureate Maria Skłodowska-Curie. Moreover, I have to add that the staff was incredibly kind and helpful, when I visited the museum.
So, check it out and become inspired by the scientist.
3. Bibliophile’s London
London has a lot to offer, when it comes to feminist places to visit. The Women’s Library, opened in 1926, is the biggest resource on the women’s movement in England. There are over 60,000 books to devour, so I highly recommend all the book-lovers to visit.
There is also The Feminist Library that has archived “herstories” since 1975. The Library also hosts events and talks on literary and intersectional feminist issues so you will have engaging conversations while there, without a doubt.
4. Loving Savonia
If you want to stay in Finland, buy a train ticket and explore the heart of Finland – Savonia. Visit Mikkeli and climb to the top of Naisvuori (“Female Mountain” in English). The stunning view is worth the climb.
In Kuopio, you can discover the idyllic Old Kuopio Museum where you can find the parlor of Minna Canth who was a stereotype-breaking Finnish writer and social activist. For instance, she took part in public debates about women’s rights in the 19th century. Furthermore, March 19 is a national flag day in Finland to celebrate equality and the incredible work of Canth.