March rolls by and it is Women’s History Month! Started in 1987, it is a “month to set aside to honor women’s accomplishments in American history.” But I decided to ask the women of UD their thoughts on Women’s History Month.
I want to thank all of them in advance for the pages and pages of inspiring content that could not all fit into this one article. It was truly a wonderful experience to write this article and I can not stress that enough.
“Women’s History Month,” Dr. Inimary Toby, Professor of Biology, says, “is a time to reflect on and celebrate the countless contributions that women have made throughout history, in public and private spheres.
“A reminder of the resilience, strength, and innovation that women have shown across generations, often in the face of significant adversity. An opportunity to raise awareness about the women whose stories have been overlooked, while continuing to cultivate a culture of respect, empowerment, and opportunity for future generations.”
“Women’s contributions to society are often overlooked,” Dr. Carla Pezzia, Professor of Biology, continues, “and tends to fall into the category of lesser told stories, or as “other” voices in textbooks.
“WHM provides an opportunity to consider the many ways in which women made integral contributions to society as a whole and to celebrate the accomplishments of pioneering women.”
Dr. Deanne Soper, Professor of Biology, adds, “WHM is to highlight the accomplishments of women because historically, women have been told things that aren’t true to keep them in certain roles ( This means in particular fields, and science being one of them, women have a hard time seeing themselves in roles that women haven’t typically held.”
For Thérèse Castillo, Senior theology major and the Editor-in-Chief of The Cor Chronicle, “this month is an opportunity to appreciate how the roles of women in society have shifted and grown over the years. This month is a great time to acknowledge that and to try to not take my life for granted.”
Dr. Susan Hassen of the History Department says, compared to the 18th century, “we have “Education for All.” Women need to be nurses or computer programmers to support themselves in a modern economy.
“A liberal arts education is necessary for the individual person or for society at large. The education which used to be an all-male enclave is now mostly given to women. Not a bad thing really as they will be the primary educators of the next generation!”
“My hope is that there are many women who are interested in experiencing the wonderful education at UD,” Dr. Van Cleve, Director of Music, says. “Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of women throughout history and to acknowledge the crucial, important and sometimes underappreciated role women play in all levels of society. I encourage all my students, regardless of gender, to strive for excellence.”
“One of the biggest ways that we see female students influencing campus life,” Director of Residence Life, Sarah Baker, says, “is in all of the leadership roles that they engage in. We have an impressive amount of female student leaders in club positions, campus activities, and RA positions, and I’ve seen so many talented, hardworking, and caring female student leaders that have contributed to a flourishing campus life.”
Angela Vu, a Junior Theology major and Female Clark RA, adds, “Through dedicating their time to planning and executing events, the influence women, especially in CAB and among the RA, bring to campus life is making it a much more lively and close-knit community. Similar to the quote “make a house a home,” women make a school a lively/social campus, a place for living/community.”
Karlas Avalos, Director of the Civil Rights and Title IX Office, “Women can support each other emotionally and spiritually. Their groups and meet-ups provide a safe-space for them to be able to express themselves, receive encouragement, affirmation, and advice.”
Judith Barrera adds, “Having mainly female students fosters a very nurturing and welcoming environment for everyone. Empowered and confident women are not afraid to raise their voice and speak up against the injustices they see or experience in a non-aggressive demeanor.
“ Female students will bring up topics that are oftentimes considered too touchy but nevertheless important. They are courageous to speak up against things that make them uncomfortable in such a respectful and caring manner.”
Myhselle Stephens, Senior History Major and Editor for Art & Culture ends with, “Women’s history month is a month to celebrate the women who have fought and continue to fight for women’s rights.
“It’s for all the women that society has failed. It is not meant to be a month where men, or women who have traditional values feel or are attacked. It’s a celebration for women, what it is to be a woman, our struggles and our successes throughout history.”