Green Bar is partnering with the Alabama chapter of Her Campus to screen the film “Girl Rising.”
“Girl Rising” depicts the stories of nine young women from around the world struggling to obtain educations. The women in the stories are fighting to change their circumstances of poverty and war into positive ones.
Jessica Johnson, the founding editor-in-chief of Her Campus Alabama, said “Girl Rising” demonstrates how education can change the world.
“These girls have faced arranged marriages, child slavery and other heartbreaking injustices,” Johnson said. “Yet, they fought for – and obtained – their education. For me, it was never a question. I would go to college. That’s not how everyone lives. That’s not what these girls’ reality was. They had to fight for it, which is pretty powerful.”
Notable actresses such as Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Cate Blanchett voiced the movie, which was directed by Richard E. Robbins.
Alexandra Goolsby, a graduate student studying in the School of Library and Information Sciences, said growing education rates could affect positive changes in the girls’ countries.
“For example, educating women in developing countries reduces poverty and infant mortality rates, increases the ability of women to earn more money in life and improves families, communities, and even whole countries,” Goolsby said. “Education is the gateway to living a healthy, productive life.”
Living a healthy, productive life is also one of the goals of Her Campus, which was started in 2009 by a group of women at Harvard University.
Johnson brought the online magazine to The University of Alabama in 2011 when she began the chapter on campus.
“We are a magazine catered to Alabama’s female population,” Johnson said. “I like to think of our content as a mix between “Glamor,” “Cosmo” and “Southern Living.” We have beauty and fashion articles, but we also have DIY ideas, interviews with campus celebrities and quick Q&A’s with campus cuties.”
Goolsby, who also serves as managing editor for Her Campus, said certain campuses around the country were chosen to screen “Girl Rising” to the students and faculty.
“Everyone should view this film because it’s important to learn about what’s happening in the world, especially in places less fortunate than the United States,” Goolsby said. “As a woman living in the US, I have access to education and therefore greater opportunities in life. Her Campus Alabama seeks to promote women on Alabama’s campus, and we are honored to be a part of this movement to empower women worldwide.”
Although Green Bar usually enforces a 19 and up age limit, Goolsby said everyone would be allowed in for the screening.
“Green Bar is the perfect location for us,” Johnson said. “The atmosphere will be relaxed and fun. The perfect place to have a study break.”
To get involved with Her Campus Alabama, email [email protected].
