Founded in 1974, the Women’s Center was established to:
Dismantle, from a feminist perspective, all forms of oppression, including but not limited to those based on ability, age, class, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation.
Advocate for an equitable environment free from violence and harassment based on gender, race, and sexual orientation.
Create an anti-racist, non-sexist, queer-affirmative space where all people can feel valued and safe.
Facilitate and strengthen connections among people across lines of difference through programming and educational campaigns.
Integrate an appreciation of Women's Gender and Multicultural Studies across the disciplines.


Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Happy International Women's Day!

The concept of Women's History Month is one that is particularly interesting for me to think about. I can't help but ask myself this question every year during this month; Why do we only get a months worth of recognition for our contributions throughout history? Just something to think about. Today is not only the annual celebration of International Women's Day, it is the 100th anniversary of this celebration! Although it was only first recognized by the United Nations in 1975, March 8th was coined "International Women's Day" in 1911 in the European countries of Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

I think it is very important that we take time to look at women and our history from a global perspective. I feel that often times we lose sight of this global view and it is no fault of our own; historically, we were taught that we must pick and choose our battles and this meant putting our international sisters to the side in order to make progress on our own soil. Even though we as American women are facing even more adversity in recent months (what with the government trying to keep a firm hand on our reproductive organs, among other legislative bouts), we should always take time to advocate for women's rights across the globe. There are several initiatives being highlighted today around the world, including (taken from the United Nations website):
The General Assembly of the United Nations describes the symbolic meaning of International Women's Day:
"It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change."


I encourage you all to take the time out today to look at what is going on around the world and acknowledge how women from all nations and walks of life have worked hard to overcome strong adversity.

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