Danielle Bombardier is a senior majoring in molecular genetics with a minor in women’s studies. She is a co-coordinator for the campus group, Voices for Planned Parenthood (VOX) and is performing in the Vagina Monologues this Friday at 8 p.m. in Strong Auditorium.
What is VOX?
VOX is a reproductive rights group affiliated with Planned Parenthood. In the past we’ve sent petitions to Congresswoman Louise Slaughter for affordable access to birth control for college women. We’ve tried to raise concern and awareness about safe sex, diseases such as HPV and AIDS and the global gag rule, which compromises the services of family planning clinics in developing nations. We’re planning a Reproductive Justice Week starting Monday, March 24. There will be a sex and spirituality panel and group of doctors coming to talk on how Roe vs. Wade has affected their lives and work.
What is the Vagina Monologues?
Vagina Monologues is a theatrical production that features a number of monologues about various women’s stories addressing issues of rape, domestic battery and violence against women. The show was started by Eve Ensler and is now performed all over the world, normally around the time of Valentine’s Day, [and is] a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. The proceeds from the show will benefit local and global antiviolence organizations. The monologue I’ll perform is called “Because He Liked To Look at It.”
How did you get involved in women’s studies and women’s issues?
I had never had the opportunity before college to take a course in women’s studies. It’s not the type of thing that’s offered in most high schools. Classes like Women in Politics, Feminist Film Theory and Gender and Sexuality in the 20th Century are discussion-based and very interesting. It is also a nice change from molecular genetics. I think that gender and equality is a major problem around the world, and that by raising awareness and money, it can be stopped.
What are your plans for the future?
After graduation, I am going to au pair in Vienna, Austria for a year. In the future, I’d possibly like to work in public or environmental health. I really have no idea though. Can you not ask this question?
Bridgers is a member of the class of 2008.
