Where are we now?

Looking back, the effects the Women's Committee has had on Beat the , Street have been like a large shock wave. This has had both a positive and negative effect on students.

Adverse effects have been the violence that happened when the women first met. Many of the male students were feeling that the women's committee not only challenged their power, it threatened the control in relationships that they controlled.

Many of the women have expressed that they feel a sense of power in their lives since the Women's Committee started. This is due to the bonding that has taken place between the women. Much of this bonding has come from sharing the abuse in their lives.

Some women have chosen not to be involved in the Women's Committee because of pressure from boyfriends. I have come to this conclusion based on comments from them or actions I have seen. Another factor is the innuendo comments some male students make in regards to Women's Night or the Women's Committee. There are always questions about what happens at Women's Night.

I felt more resistance towards Women's Night a year ago than I do now. Some of this is due to male staff increasing their understanding of the issues as well as acceptance of the inevitable. Some male staff have always supported the women having a safe environment to learn.

Pat