Celebrating a Decade of Feminism in Toledo: An Insight into Local Feminist Mechelle Zarou's Journey

The Steinem Sisters Collection is marking its tenth anniversary and Gloria Steinem's 90th birthday at the Main Library on March 25. Local feminists and Steinem Sisters Collective members are being interviewed, including Mechelle Zarou. Zarou, a local feminist, lawyer, and executive at the Sisters of St. Francis, shares her feminist awakening, which began in her traditional Palestinian family in the US.

Zarou's feminist journey started when she noticed gender segregation in her grandparents' house. This observation led her to question gender roles and expectations. Her early experiences, including a second-grade book report on Elizabeth Blackwell, the first American woman to attend medical school, fueled her determination to challenge gender norms.

Zarou faced gender-based restrictions throughout her childhood, which limited her participation in sports and social activities and discouraged her from pursuing her dreams. Despite these challenges, she remained determined to overcome these limitations. After her father's death, she prepared for college, a decision her family initially resisted. However, her mother, who had returned to school after her husband's death, supported her.

Zarou's mother played a key role in her feminist journey, providing her with books from her college classes. From the age of 14, Zarou read books like 'Beloved,' 'The Bluest Eye,' and 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' which helped shape her path and strengthen her resolve to challenge gender norms.

Public libraries, particularly the Northville Public Library in her hometown of Northville, Michigan, were instrumental in Zarou's feminist development. She credits her time spent reading in the library as a significant influence on her feminist journey, providing her with the knowledge and inspiration to challenge societal norms and expectations.

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