The rationale for organizing this session lies in the need to highlight the diverse voices and experiences of women in their pursuit of gender equality and social justice. By examining transatlantic connections, this panel aims to illuminate the collaborative efforts of women across borders and shed light on overlooked narratives within feminist scholarship.
This panel contributes to existing scholarship by expanding the geographical and temporal scope of feminist studies. While previous research has often focused on specific regions or time periods, our interdisciplinary approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of transatlantic feminist activism and its impact on cultural production. For instance, works like Transatlantic Feminisms in the Age of Revolutions, edited by Lisa L. Moore, Joanna Brooks, and Caroline Wigginton (Oxford, 2012) highlight the interconnectedness of feminist movements across Europe and the Americas during pivotal historical moments. By drawing on such scholarship, we aim to enrich our discussion and illuminate the complex dynamics of transatlantic feminist activism.
To ensure a dynamic and engaging session, each presenter will have approximately 15 minutes to deliver their presentation, followed by a moderated discussion and audience Q&A session. The remaining time will be dedicated to unstructured discussion, allowing for further exploration of key themes and ideas raised during the presentations.
Angela Acosta, “Transatlantic Educational Journeys: Conviviality and the Residencia de Señoritas.” Acosta's presentation examines the collaborative endeavors of female scholars within the transatlantic sphere, focusing on the Residencia de Señoritas (Women´s Dormitory) in Spain and its connections with United States women's colleges. By highlighting these transatlantic networks, Acosta sheds light on the contributions of women to science and social change, emphasizing the importance of conviviality in their endeavors.
Ericka H. Parra Téllez, “Feminist Legacy: Latin American Narratives on Suffrage and Local/Global Activism.” Parra Téllez explores the legacy of feminist activism in Latin America through an analysis of literary representations of suffrage and women's rights. Drawing from works by authors such as Ángeles Mastretta, Clorinda Matto de Turner, and Gioconda Belli, she examines how feminist narratives shape leadership roles and advocate for women's inclusion and equity in society.
Esther María Alarcón Arana, “#Nosqueremos vivas: Gender Violence and Fear in Contemporary Mainstream Spanish Music.” Alarcón Arana's presentation delves into the portrayal of gender violence in contemporary Spanish pop music, analyzing songs and music videos by artists such as Bebe, Rozalén, and Rigoberta Bandini. By employing a feminist approach to the affective turn, she examines how music serves as a tool for creating an anti-patriarchal consciousness and challenging societal norms.
This panel incorporates a diversity of voices by featuring scholars from different backgrounds and areas of expertise. From the exploration of transatlantic educational networks to the analysis of Latin American feminist narratives and contemporary Spanish pop music, our presentations offer varied perspectives on the theme of feminist activism and cultural resistance.
In conclusion, “Feminist Narratives and Activism: Transatlantic Journeys and Cultural Resistance Across Time” aims to deepen our understanding of the complexities of feminist activism and its enduring impact on transnational discourses. Our selection of panelists reflects a diverse range of voices, expertise, and experiences, enriching the dialogue with multiple perspectives. Angela Acosta's research highlights the collaborative efforts of female scholars within transatlantic educational networks, emphasizing the contributions of women often overlooked in archival records. Ericka H. Parra Téllez brings insights from Latin American literature, exploring feminist narratives and the struggle for gender equality across different cultural and historical contexts. Esther María Alarcón Arana offers an analysis of contemporary Spanish pop music, providing a fresh perspective on the role of music in challenging patriarchal norms and promoting social change. By incorporating these diverse voices, our panel seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and engage with a wide range of perspectives, ultimately working towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.