The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and the breeze smells like bloomed flowers. March means the start of spring and the beginning of International Women’s History Month. Women’s History Month lasts the entirety of March, and Women’s History Day was March 1st. Elizabethtown College celebrated early, as the students and staff had spring break. There are many events to celebrate Women’s History Month upcoming in March.
On Wednesday, Feb. 28th, Etown hosted a few events to celebrate the day. Students could view pictures and quotes of notable women and write notes of uplifting words to be displayed on campus. Students also could write pledges in support of women.
I attended the pledge event on the second floor of the BSC where I got to draw a line in a color (based on year), write a pledge, and spin a raffle wheel. I had the pleasure of talking to Javita Thompson, the Director for Center for Community and Civic Engagement. She explained to me the importance of having women in leadership positions at Etown. She mentioned our president, Betty Rider, and other women with leadership roles including Kristi Kneas, Keri Straub and Student Vice President, Nicole Gonzalaz. Thompson described how important it is to be recognized.
“You see someone who looks like you, and who you could be,”Thompson said.
Thompson also expressed the importance for celebration of women. Before she began her career at Etown, there were no events and celebrations for Women’s History Month.
“How can we not do this event?” Thompson said while chuckling.
She described how Etown’s Office of Student Activities (OSA), Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging (DEB), Title IX and the Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE) made this event possible. Thompson explained to me that each year, the event has a theme, and this year’s theme is “Inspire Inclusion”. The goal for the event is that both men and women will make pledges to inspire inclusion.
I also learned more about Darcey Mills, Etown’s director of Student Diversity, Equity and Belonging. When asked on the importance of Women’s History Month, he explained that, “Women’s History Month is important as it provides an opportunity to showcase the diverse contributions women have made throughout history.”
It is valuable for women to see other women holding positions of power, making a difference in their communities and providing love and support. Society has made incredible strides in promoting equality for women. One example is Greta Gerwig’s movie “Barbie”. The movie provided an example of feminism, self-discovery and ambition for women across the country.
“Representation matters,” Mills said. “Highlighting the achievements of women helps all students, especially women, see what is possible.”
There are many events for students to take part in to celebrate Women’s History Month. Mills says he is very excited for the Women of Etown panel, which focuses on inclusive leadership in higher education.
“It’s an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue between students and staff who are passionate about creating positive change on campus,” Mills said. He hopes that students will come out to these events on campus.
“The programming and people behind it are awesome. It’s a chance to be educated and aware on matters that can help break stereotypes and inspire folks to challenge traditional norms,” Mills said.
Etown hopes to see college students at these events.
Women’s History Month is a month to celebrate and respect women who have worked hard for their goals and dreams. All women are important, special, and recognized, even if they are not in a high position of power.
“Celebrating Women’s History Month can inspire students to pursue their passions, knowing that they are following in the footsteps of many remarkable women who have come before them,” Mills said. “It can empower them to overcome challenges and biases they might face in their academic and professional journeys.”
It is important for women globally to keep lifting one another up and to provide support for one another. Etown hopes to inspire their students to do the same.
