Hanshew

LA GRANDE — Assistant Professor of History Tracey Hanshew will explore the link between rodeo cowgirls and rural feminism during the next Eastern Oregon University Colloquium on March 14 from 4-5 p.m. in Ackerman Hall, according to a Feb. 13 press release from Eastern Oregon University.

Between 1900 and 1935 women established careers as athletes by competing in the rodeo arena, which allowed these women to gain financial independence that was unique from other professional working women.

Rodeo provided a platform that helped women dispel notions that had previously restricted opportunities for female athletes.

During the colloquium, Hanshew will explore the idea that rodeo cowgirls helped change greater social norms and that their contributions to feminist progress have been largely overlooked due to their rural status.

Although these women did not self-identify as feminist, Hanshew believes their actions aligned with feminists’ principles of equality and autonomy. She proposes that cowgirls provided the foundation for future generations of feminists by presenting themselves as equally competent to men — both athletically and in their ability to manage successful careers.