A path through history
By: María Camila Suárez Doria 10A
Women have definitely made a several achievements through history. We cannot think that the world in which we live in today (with all of its technological, scientific and cultural advances) is all thanks to the product of the work done by man alone. The legacy made by both woman and man is equally important and relevant. The cultural and scientific legacy of woman such as, Marie Curie, Indira Gandhi and Rosa Parks (among many others) is an everlasting one, which will be remembered forever. Not only can this heritage be found on history books, but also in different places around the globe. It is possible, in fact, to visit several of these places in which events that are fundamental for woman empowerment occurred. These places are a symbol of feminism, and as a consequence visiting them is like undertaking a path thru time. The history and the principles of the woman empowerment movement are presented within these structures.
1. Women’s rights national historical park
Seneca Falls (which is a small village located inside New York) is a historical place for women’s empowerment movement, because there in 1848 the first convention (ever) advocating for women’s rights was held. The house, in which the convention took place, is now a museum; which is full of photographs and statues that commemorate the historical event that took place in it. The convention that was held on Seneca Falls was the first of many events that strengthened the demand for women’s suffrage inside of the United States. The museum is opened all year round, and in summer a music festival is held there to commemorate the event.
2. Anne Frank’s house
Even though Anne Frank was not an outstanding feminist, she is definitely a symbol of women empowerment. Anne Frank was a fifteen years old Jewish girl, who was forced to hide with her family inside a small basement during the Second World War. Anne and her family managed to escape concentration camps during two years, until in 1944 they were finally caught. During the two year interval in which the Jewish girl hid with her family she wrote a diary, which was published by her father many years after the end of the war. As a consequence, Anne frank became a worldwide symbol of strength and perseverance towards adversity. As it can be perceived thru her writing, she was definite an empowered women full of strength. The house in which the Frank family hid is now a museum in Holland; and it is definitely one of the most important places to visit inside of this country.
3. Pitcairn Island
This beautiful island is not only known by its beautiful landscapes or its delicious food, but also because of its importance for the "women empowerment history". Why? Because Pitcairn Island (in 1838) became the first country in the world to approve women’s suffrage. In other words, women were given the right to vote. This island is a popular destiny for various cruises; moreover its climate makes it an ideal location for wind surfing.
4. Frida Kahlo’s house
Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter and muralist. Thru her paintings and murals she showed a unique perspective of live, for example she stated her opinions about sexuality, body image and her role as a woman in the Mexican society with several works of art. This opinions were relatively new and revolutionary for that time, She showed a new way of thinking. Frida lived an unusual life style, and she was without doubt an empowered woman full of independence and strength. The house in which she lived the last years of her life, is now a museum named “casa Azul”, in which several sculptures, paintings and her last works of art are now exhibited. The house is a beautiful museum that commemorate the legacy of this artist not only on an artistic way, but also on the women empowerment movement. Thru her paintings Frida showed a totally different way for women to live and act inside society.
5. Virginia Woolf’s house
Bloomsbury may be one of the hundreds of streets in northern England; nevertheless it has something the others do not: an importance inside the women’s empowerment movement. From 1924 to 1939 the famous feminist writer Virginia Woolf lived there with her husband. Inside of her house she wrote several of her most famous books such as “Orlando”, “to the lighthouse” and “Mrs. Dalloway”. In addition she organized several reunions with notorious intellectuals of that time, in which several feminist topics were debated. Her house nowadays has been turned into a museum which has several sculptures, manuscripts and photographs that recall and pay tribute to the writer, Moreover her tomb is located nearby. Without doubt Virginia Woolf is one of the most important figures of the women’s empowerment movement and her house and her tomb are worth a visit!