March is Women’s History Month and many female leaders and organizations across Utica University are working to raise awareness and recognition on campus.
Several events took place on campus this month, including Women in a New Direction’s (WIND) blanket drive where the organization made blankets that will be donated to those in need. Earlier this month the organization also hosted a self defense class.
Nazjai Earle Heath, a junior dual minor and president of the Xi Phi Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., said student leaders should use their social media platforms to talk about it and post as much as they can.
“I also think we should host events for Women’s History Month,” Heath said. “A lot of organizations on campus are based around women, so while it’s everyone’s responsibility, I think it’s especially ours to get the word out and get events started. It’s important for us as leaders to put our best foot forward and lead by example.”
Sophomore Humidi Sidali, a nursing major, said the Utica University community as a whole has not planned many Women’s History Month celebrations, but organizations such as WIND are doing a good job.
“I haven’t seen any posters or signs,” she said. “The college did post on its Instagram, but we want more—no bulletin boards or anything. I feel like if I were new here, I wouldn’t even know it’s Women’s History Month. I almost forgot because there was nothing really going on.”
Kira Maddox, Director of Community, Belonging, Engagement, and Title VI, said recognizing Women’s History Month is important because it creates an opportunity to hear stories people don’t often hear.
“There are so many contributions by women from diverse backgrounds—both in the United States and around the world—that are often overlooked or don’t receive the same level of respect and recognition as others’ achievements,” Maddox said. “Women’s History Month is a time to spotlight those contributions, give people the chance to learn about histories they may not have known before, celebrate these accomplishments, and take pride in achievements that have historically been undervalued.”
There are few remaining events coming up celebrating Women’s History Month, including:
- “Threads of Solidarity: A Case Study in Intersectional Feminist Resistance” talk for Women’s History Month with WIND and The Collaborative / Office of Community, Belonging, and Engagement, on March 30. Information is also on PioHub
- Contributing to the Community Board in White Hall this month as the question asked is “Who is a woman who inspires you?” Responses have ranged from historical figures such as civil rights activists, poet Maya Angelou, primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall, and singer Rosetta Tharpe, to Utica University faculty and staff members, and to friends and family.
- The All Girls Rock Gala is scheduled on Saturday, April 4 at 4 p.m. in the Library Concourse with keynote speaker Dianne Stancato, CEO of YMCA of the Mohawk Valley. Visit PioHub for more information.
- The Women’s Resource Center is also hosting a brunch on April 11 with alumna Dr. Rachel Boice, a pelvic floor physical therapist, who will highlight disparities in women’s healthcare.
