Friday, March 11, 2005
OU celebrates Women’s History Month
By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer
March marks Women’s History Month and OU has a number of events lined up to honor the accomplishments and achievements of women in history and explore the issues women still face.
“Women’s History Month originally began as a time to recover important contributions made by women that were lost to history,” said Suzanne Spencer-Wood, director of the women’s studies program. “The month also has been expanded to explore women’s issues that aren’t in the forefront the rest of the year.”
Women’s History Month was established in the 70s as a way to highlight achievements that weren’t given proper attention. Now it includes women’s issues like eating disorders and equal rights and compliments Violence Against Women Month held nationally in April.
While the national theme for Women’s History Month is “Women Change America,” women from around the world have made advancements. The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is celebrating women from around the globe during International Women’s Day on Monday, March 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms.
“It’s an international women’s day. It’s not about international students it’s about women being celebrated internationally,” said Petra Knoche, assistant director of ISSO.
The event will feature a panel of women from a variety of backgrounds including leadership positions, politics, recreation, raising children and women facing racial diversity. Knoche hopes the women’s stories inspire students to reach for their highest goals.
Women’s History Month focuses on accomplishments of women in the past, present and future through a variety of interactive programs.
For more information on Women’s History Month events, contact the Center for Student Activities at (248) 370-2400 or csa@oakland.edu.
Women’s History Month Events:
Monday, March 14
- Panel discussion: “Women Make Their Mark — at Work, at Play, at Home and Abroad,” 3-5 p.m., Oakland Center Banquet Rooms
Tuesday, March 15
- “My Life as a 10-year-old Boy” lecture by Nancy Cartwright, 3 p.m., Oakland Center Banquet Rooms
Friday, March 18
- Friday Night Live with comedienne Alexandra McHale, 7 p.m., Vandenberg Dining Center
Wednesday, March 23
- SPB Rhythms Den with vocalist Penny Wells, 8 p.m., Oakland Center Food Court Expansion
Thursday, March 31
- “Equal Rights: Are We There Yet?” lecture by Patricia Ireland, noon-1 p.m., Oakland Center Banquet Room A
Friday, April 1
- Gala dinner with special guest speaker Patricia Ireland, 5:30 p.m., Meadow Brook Hall. For more information, contact the women’s studies program at (248) 370-2961 or visit the Registration Web site.
- Premier showing of “Voices from the Street: Countdown to a March,” 8 p.m., Meadow Brook Hall. For more information, contact the women’s studies program at (248) 370-2961 or visit the Registration Web site.
Friday-Saturday, April 1-2
Monday, April 4
- 13th Annual Phyllis Law Googasian Award Luncheon honoring Andrea Eis, special instructor of studio art and art history, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Oakland Center Gold Rooms. For ticket information, call (248) 370-4955.
Wednesday, April 6
- SPB Rhythms Den with musician and OU alumna Tamara Bedricky, 8 p.m., Oakland Center Food Court Expansion
Thursday, April 12
- Women’s Studies Program Student Awards Party, noon-1 p.m., Oakland Center Oakland Room
Wednesday, April 13
- Take Back the Night Rally and March, 6 p.m., outside the Oakland Center
- Take Back the Night Speak Out, 7 p.m., Oakland Center Banquet Rooms
Friday, April 15
- “Mars and Venus, or Planet Earth: Women and Men on Campus in the 21st Century” lecture by Michael Kimmel, Ph.D., noon-1 p.m., Oakland Center Banquet Room A
Friday-Saturday, April 15-16
- Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues,” 7 p.m., 201 Dodge Hall. Tickets on sale at the CSA Service Window, 49 Oakland Center.
Sunday, April 17
- Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues,” 2 p.m., 201 Dodge Hall. Tickets on sale at the CSA Service Window, 49 Oakland Center.