Julie Koivunen, PhD, has taught as a lecturer in the School of Social Work since 2008. In addition to teaching, her work at Rutgers has included serving as a research analyst at the Institute for Families and the Center for Research on Ending Violence where she has worked on projects with the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, the New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women, the State Office of Victim Witness Advocacy, the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and the Office on Women’s Policy and Research, Support, Employment, Education and Training.
Tell us a bit about your journey to social work.
My interest in this field began as I observed the lack of access to mental health services for those in underserved parts of the country like the small rural midwestern town that I grew up in. My initial training began at the University of Michigan studying sociology, women’s studies, anthropology and other courses in the social sciences that led me to a greater awareness of the lack of equality for women that exists. In completing my master’s and doctoral degrees, I started my clinical work in counseling women throughout the lifespan, from working with middle school and high school students, to those in later stages of life, and continuously observed the ways in which they experienced oppression and discrimination in many aspects of their lives. It was through this work that led me to understand the need for greater education on these topics, and I began teaching women’s studies classes in the late 1990s. I have found that through my work in teaching, research, and publishing, there is a critical need for greater awareness. Especially today, there is so much work that we must do to create greater equality, equity, and opportunities for women.
What is the significance of Women’s History Month for you?
The significance Women’s History Month is multi-faceted, and most recently was revealed to me, yet again, in the months leading up to the 2024 election. During this time, I volunteered in Pennsylvania, canvassing door-to-door talking to undecided voters in the weeks and months leading up to November. In talking with others who were similarly working on this campaign, we discussed the magnitude of the outcome and the importance of recognizing the significance of potentially having our first female president. As I talked to others about the history of the women’s movement, I was surprised by the lack of awareness of the origins of the movement and somehow thought those who were similarly invested in the campaign were likely knowledgeable about women’s history. Through these conversations, it once again underscored to me the importance of education, the work that we do here in the School of Social Work, and the profound importance of learning about various social justice movements.
How can the social work community recognize and commemorate Women’s History Month?
As we recognize Women’s History Month, it is important to reflect upon women’s historic role in this profession and the many ways in which their work has influenced the field. Indeed, women have served at the forefront of this profession from the very beginning, inspired by their deep commitment to providing services to immigrants, families, and children in need.
As we celebrate this month, and recognize the contributions of women before us, social workers must continue to build upon this work by translating their knowledge into practice as they work with individuals, community agencies, and in their practicum placements, to implement and advocate for women in meaningful ways. Together, we must ensure that women have a voice, that they are empowered in their choices, as we work to dismantle barriers that continue to exist in this country and throughout the world.
What can the social work profession or social workers do to continue to support and advocate for women beyond this month?
Social workers are called upon to advocate for others, and as I recall teaching many years ago with a text on feminist psychology entitled “Half the Human Experience,” it is imperative that those who work in this field, whatever their focus, be educated about women’s experiences through the lifespan. As we truly reflect upon the fact that half of our current population is often marginalized and oppressed, it is essential that social workers cultivate a deep commitment to understanding women’s lived experiences and the ways in which we can work to improve their lives. In clinical work, policy work, and across every area of social work, there are so many opportunities to advocate for women and for all who are marginalized and oppressed. Now, more than ever, we must work on behalf of advocating for and empowering women through our clinical work, in our communities, and through policy-related work as well. These sentiments also are reflective of this year’s Social Work Month theme of “Compassion + Action.” I am deeply appreciative of the commitment to diversity within the School of Social Work and the excellent teaching and scholarly work that is conducted here as we collectively work toward a greater understanding of women’s experiences and seek to improve their lives in meaningful and profound ways.
This story was created in partnership with Rutgers School of Social Work's Inclusion, Intersectionality, Diversity, Equity, and Advancement (IIDEA) Committee.
