A series of events in March will focus on diverse experiences of women.
Cal U plans a series of events in March to celebrate Women’s History Month.
Women’s History Month highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society.
It also provides an opportunity to focus on the collective and diverse experiences of women in the United States and globally, said Dr. Marta McClintock-Comeaux, associate professor in the Department of Social Work and director of the Women’s Studies program.
“Ideally, women’s intersectional, vast experiences would be included in our everyday history classes and all other curricula,” she said. “Until that time, March is the month that brings awareness of the need to bring women’s experiences and contributions to the forefront.”
Events during Women’s History Month are open to the public, and admission is free.
Included among the events is a Women’s Leadership Panel on March 7, at 11 a.m. in Eberly Hall Room 110, which is sponsored by the Student Affairs Diversity Committee.
The panel features successful female leaders at Cal U: President Geraldine M. Jones; Dr. Nancy Pinardi, vice president for Student Affairs; Christine Kindl, vice president for Communications and Marketing; Dr. Brenda Fredette, dean of Eberly College of Science and Technology; and Dr. Kristen Majocha, dean of the College of Liberal Arts.
This event is also part of the Student Affairs Diversity Committee’s “What’s the T?: Thoughtful Discussions About National Narratives,” a monthly initiative that focuses on timely topics.
“We are excited and honored for these prestigious women to share their stories of their journey to leadership positions as we kick off Women’s History Month,” said Nancy Skobel, associate dean of Student Affairs and director of the Cal U Women’s Center.
“Discussion will include their mentors, personal motivations and insights, as well as any words of encouragement for our female student leaders.
“We believe it is important to educate our students as to how these trailblazers became successful in each of their respective fields.”
Other Women’s History Month events
March 5 – The Tale, 4 p.m., Keystone Hall Room 211. This 2018 American drama tells the story of how childhood sexual abuse affects a woman’s relationships. Sponsor: Department of Social Work
March 19 – The Human Face of Immigration, 9:30 a.m., Keystone Hall Room 202. A panel discussion via Skype will focus on experiences with recent immigration policies over the past year. Sponsor: Women’s Studies and the Women’s Center.
March 20 – Alive Inside, 4 p.m., Keystone Hall Room 211. The documentary follows visionaries in healthcare including social worker Dan Cohen, founder of the nonprofit organization Music & Memory, as he fights against a broken healthcare system to demonstrate music’s ability to combat memory loss and restore a deep sense of self to those suffering from it. Sponsor: Department of Social Work.
March 26 – Free the Girls, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Natali Student Center, 11 a.m. -2 p.m. Educational content and fun activities will take place throughout the building to bring awareness and knowledge of the Free the Girls campaign and the international problem of human trafficking.
Free the Girls is an international organization that accepts financial donations as well as donations of new and gently used bras to help survivors of human trafficking start their own businesses selling bras. Donation boxes are located in campus buildings. Sponsor: Women’s Studies and the Women’s Center.
March 28 – RBG, 11 a.m., Vulcan Theatre. This 2018 film covers the life and career of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who has developed a legal legacy while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon. Sponsor: Women’s Studies and the Women’s Center.
For more information about Women’s History Month events at Cal U email mcclintock@calu.edu or skobel@calu.edu.