A key theme in the coming of 2017 has been the fight for women.
Their equality and rights are humanities for which they are still fighting.
From the Women’s March in January to the 2017 Forward Feminism Conference being held by the National Organization for Women in June, steps are being taken to increase and correct the respect and equality of women.
Perfectly aligning, with what may very well be the theme of 2017, feminism, Georgia-Pacific has relaunched its campaign #StrengthHasNoGender. Last year, the company celebrated this hashtag on International Women’s Day (March 8) but this year the company is spanning the campaign for the entirety of Women’s History Month (which is celebrated throughout the month of March).
As a part of Women’s History Month and the #StrengthHasNoGender campaign, Georgia-Pacific’s product company — Brawny — has replaced their well-known “Brawny-Man” with a “Brawny-Woman” as a way to honor the women “that inspire us all.”
This change in branding is a first for the company.
“It’s important for us to have conversations about shifting notions of genders,” Cabrini University’s chair and associate professor of English Dr. Michelle Filling-Brown said. “It is drawing attention to shifting notions of beauty, women, and diversity. That said, it would be wonderful if we didn’t have to have a specific month to remind us that ‘strength has no gender.’”
“I hope that at some point that seeing women of all races, classes, sexual orientations, gender identities, religions, abilities as spokespeople for national campaigns becomes ‘normal,'” assistant director of intercultural education, engagement and assessment in Cabrini University’s student diversity office, Sara Carter, said. “That being said, there is not often the statement made that ‘Strength has no gender.’ This is serving a greater purpose to help break social norms about women’s strength and really, what strength means in general.”
Brawny released a video that celebrates women from history who have been “trailblazers” in different fields and areas. Some of the women highlighted in their video include Harriet Tubman, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie and Serena Williams.
Video by Brawny.
Another leg of Brawny’s support and efforts during Women’s History Month is their partnership with Girls Inc.. Girls Inc.’s mission is to inspire “all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.” The incorporation is rallying for opportunities for girls. There is a special desire for girls to gain interest for the STEM fields.
“I think it’s great that they are also donating to nonprofit organizations like Girls, Inc. to help empower young women. To me, this shows an investment in the future of young women as future leaders,” Carter said.
As a part of Girls Inc. Operation SMART Program, Brawny is donating $75,000 to the cause. The Operation SMART Program is working to have girls realize their potential in STEM fields. Their hope is to have young girls everywhere become more excited and confident in their ability to partake in STEM education and STEM careers.
“I think a lot of people are responding positively to the organization Brawny partnered with [Girls Inc.], and it will open new doors and opportunities for the women and employees who rely on Girls Inc.,” junior religious studies major Shannon Donnelly said.
On Brawny’s website, there is a series of videos featuring the stories of strong and independent women in STEM fields. Not only are these featured women making a difference, but they are breaking barriers and being women of “firsts” in their fields.
“The women who are on the website that represent strong, intelligent, educated and diverse women aren’t actually on the packaging,” Filling-Brown said. “Brawny could change their packaging every month to feature a different strong woman to bring continual attention to women’s empowerment.”
“Not only should women be celebrated, honored, and respected every day, I think men should too,” Donnelly said. “We are all equal, and our culture needs to do more to highlight our individual strengths without overpowering anyone”
These limited edition paper towels can be purchased at any Wal-Mart store. To purchase click here.
