We Are Bold American Women

We Are Bold American Women: The Social
Lives of Slovenian Women in America
(1906-2006)

“We are bold American women; Slovenian born, we speak our
beautiful mother tongue without shame.” (From The Anthem of the Slovenian Women's Union of America by Ivan Zorman, Jr.)

The opening lyrics of the
anthem of the Slovenian Women's Union
of America sum up the confidence, pride, respect and optimism that Slovenian
women felt in the New World. With the
resources and opportunities available to them, immigrant women built and
fully-realized lives for themselves and their families. Organizations and
community activities were key to their success.

Participation expanded
their knowledge and created a network of support, while helping women integrate
into American society without losing their Slovenian identity. Beginning with
the first women's societies established a century ago, the scope and variety of
social options enjoyed by Slovenian-American women has been remarkable, often
greater than that which was available to their sisters in the homeland. Many
clubs and lodges still flourish today, and new ones are being formed. At the
same time, more women have assumed leadership roles within fraternal and
cultural societies - testament to their ability to sustain and grow their
organizations through fund-raising and volunteer service.

From generation to
generation, Slovenian-American women have responded to challenges with
ingenuity, hard work and organization, thus ensuring that they will keep the
Slovenian spirit alive in North America for
decades to come.
Joseph Valenčič

Joseph
Valenčič’s lecture and the documentary 100%
Slovenian – which he co-wrote – also relate to this topic and are presented
at this year’s festival.

Organisation:
City of Women
In
collaboration with: Cankarjev dom
With
the support of: U.S. Embassy
Ljubljana, Slovenia