Elise Scribner is a feminist.
No, she hasn't burned her bra, nor does she hate men. She looks like many of her fellow students at Quest University - hip, excited about what the world has to offer and conscious of her decisions.
But the word "feminist" comes with stereotypes, Scribner says. When she dubs herself a feminist, people usually react with, "Oh, but you're more realistic than most feminists" or, "well you're about empowerment."
"It's still kind of a dirty word," she says. "I think women like myself are trying to reclaim it."
As long as Scribner can remember she's loved pouring through books filled with strong female characters. When she read Nicholas Kristof's and Sheryl Wudunn's Half The Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity For Women Worldwide, it opened her eyes to a new reality.
"I read it and I thought I can't do anything else with my life," she says.
Now in her fourth year at Quest, Scribner is exploring how responsible aid work can empower women. In her hometown of Portland, Ore., Scribner worked at a women's domestic violence shelter. In March, she'll be doing the same work in a shelter in the budding democracy of Bhutan.
Closer to home, Scribner is hoping to change perceptions in Quest's latest production of the Vagina Monologues. On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15 and 16, the show will run in the university's multi-purpose room. Entry is by donation, with all money raised going toward the Howe Sound Women's Centre Society.
"What is really cool about The Vagina Monologues is they are a part of our campus's culture," Scribner said, noting students have annually put on the production for the past six years.
TheMonologuesare a part of a global movement to end violence against women. Created by activist Eve Ensler, the play delves into women's stories covering everything from sexual discovery to abuse. They're laugh-out-loud funny to heartbreaking tales and that's what makes the show so unique, Scribner says, noting its great entertainment.
"The Vagina Monologues are known for their humour," she says.
While Scribner explores the macro and micro details of oppression, she said she's hopeful for a day when women earn equal pay as men and women's shelters remain empty.
"And a woman president," she quickly adds to the wish list.
