3/6/2013 MinneCulture

To celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, MinneCulture looks at some extraordinary women with Minnesota connections.

1. The Dead Feminists Society of Minnesota
The Dead Feminists Society of Minnesota began in 2008 as the brain-child of Kristine Holmgren and friends, who missed the collaborative efforts earlier feminist movements. They began organizing salons to address contemporary issues related to gender equality, justice for women and girls, equality in the workplace, relationships and more. The group honors the vision of American Feminism, and supports Minnesota feminists through initiatives that promote gender equality, dignity and fairness. Today the Dead Feminists Society of Minnesota has nearly 600 members and meets monthly at Barnes & Noble bookstore at Har Mar Mall in St. Paul. KFAI producer Dixie Treichel has more.

2. Author and historian Rhoda Gilman
Rhoda Gilman is a well known historian and author. In 2012 the Minnesota Historical Society published her book, "Stand Up! The Story of Minnesota's Protest Tradition," which details the state's populist and progressive movements from Ignatius Donnelly to Floyd B. Olson and Hubert Humphrey. KFAI producer Britt Aamodt spoke to Gilman about her passion for history and politics.

3. Gender Justice
Gender Justice is a nonprofit organization that eliminates gender barriers through education programs, public policy advocacy and litigation. KFAI producer Dixie Treichel has more.

4. Stolen Childhoods
Stolen Childhods focuses on sex trafficking of underage girls – something that happens every day right here in Minnesota. Host Madeline Ramirez talked with Yvette Griffea­Gray of the Love Light Project, which provides support to girls who have become victims of commercial sexual exploitation.Griffea­ Gray says her involvement started when she saw a startling documentary.

5. The Chalice
The Chalice is a young hip-hop collective garnering accolades for dynamic music that champions female empowerment. The trio, featuring Lizzo, Sophia Eris and Claire de Lune, talks to KFAI's Cyn Collins about how the band evolved, and what it's like making music in a male-dominated genre.