International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the progress we have made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. Although we have made unprecedented advances, no country has yet to achieve gender equality. This year, the theme is “Women in Leadership; Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world” which celebrates the tremendous efforts by women around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the pandemic and highlights the gaps that remain. When women lead, we see positive results! We should not stand for anything less.
“A Place at the Table”
Artist, Judy Chicago produced The Dinner Party, between 1974-1979 which became a defining work of feminist and contemporary art. The installation is a monumental triangular table that represents 1038 women in history- 39 showcased by large ceramic plates and runners with another 999 names inscribed on the floor’s ceramic tiles. Sacajawea, Virginia Woolf, Susan B. Anthony and Georgia O’Keeffe are among the symbolic guests. This week, lets participate in an art project that honors the important women in your world.
Materials: Paper Plates, paint/crayon/colored pencil, any decorative materials (fabric, stickers, etc…)
Directions:
- Get the whole family involved in constructing a similar installation by honoring inspirational women around the world. These can be women who are meaningful in your personal life or those women who have impacted the course of history. Think about the reasons why each person should be included. Research them and think of ways to visually represent their story. Keep it as simple or as detailed as you would like. Rather than an actual physical depiction, think of a symbol that we associate with them. Examples: stars and a spaceship for Dr. Sally Ride who was the first American woman to travel into space; an aviator hat and goggles for Amelia Earhart- the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic; a bird to symbolize Maya Angelou- acclaimed poet, storyteller, and civil rights activist,
- Design your plate. Further add to the installation by including a placemat.
- Start a conversation around your own dinner table. Have people guess who you chose and present your special woman.
“Find out who you are and be that person. That’s what your soul was put on the Earth to be. Find that truth, live that truth, and everything else will come.” – Ellen DeGeneres
Share your International Women’s Day projects with us! Use the Hashtag #MMoAcommunity on Facebook and/or Instagram.
