March is National Women’s History Month and the Women’s Center has a number of events planned to celebrate. Established in 1987, National Women’s History Month is dedicated to educating the public about women’s history across many cultures.
“So few women are aware of their own history and what their mothers and grandmothers went through,” Women’s Center secretary Diana Lalani said. “Many women don’t realize that it wasn’t until 1972 that an unmarried person was allowed to use contraception, that the family medical leave act didn’t come in until 1993 and that their great-grandmothers probably didn’t vote.”
The theme for this year’s Women’s History Month is “Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet,” honoring women who have lead the way in environmental movements.
In keeping with the theme, the Women’s Center will hold a special presentation at dead hour on Thursday, March 19 in RUC Room 342 to offer tips to women and men about ways to reduce their impact on the environment within their daily routine. Informational displays about historic women environmentalists will also be available for viewing.
Simran Sethi, an award winning environmental journalist, will present “Green For All: Environmental Equity,” a presentation focusing on working through cultural and social barriers to increase access and participation in protecting and enhancing the environment. The Center Stage event, hosted by the Women’s Center, will begin at 7p.m. on March 24 in the auditorium of Derryberry Hall.
To wrap up the month’s events, the Women’s Center will be welcoming students, faculty and staff into the center located in Pennebaker Hall Room 203 for an open house at dead hour on Thursday, March 19, Tuesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 26. Multiple displays featuring historic female figures will be set up throughout and guests will be treated to cookies.
“We are setting up easy to view women’s history displays,” Lalani said. “We’d like you to come in, learn a little about yourself and take a look at the resources we have to offer.”
“Attune,” the center’s newsletter, produced by staff and student workers, will also be available in March. Those interested in learning more about the environment and ways in which women are having an impact may pick up a copy located in the box outside of the Women’s Center.
For more information about any of these events or ways to take part in the National Women’s History project, contact the Women’s Center at womenscenter@tntech.edu.
