An innovative symposium commenced today at the University of Limerick examining the significant contribution that women have made to rock music.  The academic symposium entitled ‘Riot Grrrl’ is focusing on explaining the post-punk movement which combined feminist activism and political action. Organised by the Department of Sociology, the symposium will feature academic presentations from international delegates, a documentary screening as well as a public interview and a performance by the San Antonio punk band ‘Girl In A Coma’.

Co-organiser Dr Eoin Devereux said "Our symposium examines the pivotal, and often invisible role played by women in rock music.  The Riot Grrrl movement is particularly interesting in that it witnessed many women seizing the means of production in what it has traditionally been a male dominated industry. Riot Grrrl saw many women engaging in DIY cultural production, forming bands, creating their own record labels, generating media content and a lot of political action."
 
The symposium has brought over 140 participants to the University of Limerick and featured papers on punk, groupies and the artist Courtney Love.
 
The University of Limerick has led the way in Ireland in the analysis of popular culture.  UL’s Department of Sociology has previously hosted successful academic symposia on David Bowie, Morrissey and Harry Potter.