A self-proclaimed Christian feminist discussed gender issues Thursday night.

Helen Sterk gave a lecture, “Women and Men: A Culture of Care Perspective,” in the Campanile Room of the Memorial Union.

Sterk, professor and chairwoman of the department of communication arts and sciences at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., began her speech with a question – “Do we live in a post-feminist era?”

Sterk spoke about what she calls “the post-feminist world,” and how many choose to ignore it.

“A lot of people claim that the need for feminism has passed,” Sterk said. “They say, ‘Men and women now share equal rights and opportunities,’ but this is not the case.”

She then gave examples of how this is an obvious conclusion once one looks at the media.

“Women seem to disappear from the public eye after they turn 40,” she said, “while men like Jack Nicholson and Clint Eastwood keep on going, landing leading roles in romantic comedies well into their 60s and 70s.”

She brought up the startling fact that women make 77 cents for every $1 that men make and went on to point out women are misrepresented in every facet of professional life – including government, the arts and the business world.

Sterk spoke about how being a Christian and a feminist correspond with each other.

“Love your neighbor as yourself,” she said, speaking to women in general, “Not less than yourself, or more than yourself, but the same as yourself.”

Alyson Lieser, freshman in materials engineering, said she could relate to some of the points Sterk made.

“In my Engineering 160 section, I am the only girl,” she said. “In the entire class there are only two or three girls, but that makes me feel unique.”

Isha Labhasetwar, freshman in engineering, had somewhat similar views.

“I don’t feel oppressed [by men], but they do outnumber us in the school of engineering,” Labhasetwar said.

Sterk is scheduled to give a follow-up lecture at noon Friday in Room 353 of Catt Hall.