CIFAL Atlanta Organized a Gender and Women’s Studies Panel

20 November 2015, Atlanta, United States – As part of the Kennesaw State University (KSU) Year of the Portuguese Speaking World program, CIFAL Atlanta assisted in organizing and moderating a Gender and Women’s Studies Panel on 29 October 2015 on the KSU campus in Kennesaw, Georgia, USA.

Three Brazilianists, who are current professors and researchers from Georgia State University, Spelman College and Kennesaw State University, presented on topics related to the current and historical role of women throughout Brazil. Participants learned about the history and recent research done specifically on sex tourism in Bahia, Brazil, Brazilian women’s filmmaking and intersectionality in the lives of black women activists in Salvador, Brazil. By examining this history, participants were able to better understand the significance of ending discrimination against women in the workplace and “full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making” in the public life of women, as it pertains to Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition, participants learned how the cultural and sexual economies of tourism are inextricably linked in Salvador, Brazil’s tourism industry and understood better the intersectionality in the lives of black women activists in Salvador. Participants were able to identify forms of violence against women and girls in the public and private spheres within the region, especially as it pertains to sexual exploitation.

The three presentations were followed by a lively question and answer period. 

Photo: Presenters of the Gender and Women's Studies Panel