Women's studies celebrates the inclusion of men

The Women’s and Gender Studies program has just celebrated its first male graduate. Patrick Thompson has received a one year certificate in a program that now includes courses in the study of men.

Thompson is the first male graduate in a program that recently changed its name from Women’s Studies to Women’s and Gender Studies. This name change is a result of a North American movement that is working to broaden the awareness of Women’s Studies. This movement is not new to Dr. Lynn Echevarria, coordinator and instructor, Women’s and Gender Studies, “Each year I begin my class by stating that Women’s Studies is about collaborating and building a partnership with men”.

In 2011, the Women’s Studies program included a new course titled, The Study of Men and Masculinity 001. This course received such great interest and high enrolment of both men and women that a second level of the introductory course will be offered in the coming school year. “History has failed to explore what it means to be a man – we know how women have been constrained but not much about what challenges men have faced in the past and contemporary times. This course is by and about men”, said Echevarria.

Patrick Thompson is one of many graduates that will continue his studies in the field of Social Work, “Women’s Studies is a multidisciplinary study that has an effect on all aspects of life. I will definitely apply my education in Women’s Studies to my career as a social worker”, said Thompson.

The Women’s and Gender Studies program is coordinated by Echevarria, who is a renowned academic. She has presented multiple papers at Oxford University, with her most recent presentation titled, “Women’s and men’s studies – Moving forward together?” This presentation focused on the importance of sharing men’s studies within women’s studies. Echevarria explores how men are investigating their experience as gendered beings and their part in the current system, thus bringing to our attention the “other side of the picture”. Echevarria suggests that when women and men both recognize and realize equality, the highest social development of humankind is possible.

Women’s Studies courses have been offered at the College since 1994.