March 1, 2024

Celebrating Women’s History Month

By Madeline Marriott ’24

On March 1, Lafayette College and the Office of Intercultural Development will begin a monthlong celebration of Women’s History Month. 

The celebration evolved in the late 20th century from a “Women’s History Week” in California in the late 1970s, to a weeklong national celebration in 1981, to finally earning national recognition in its monthlong capacity in 1987. 

The goal of the celebration both then and now is to highlight the underappreciated contributions of women throughout history. The national theme for 2024 is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” 

“Throughout 2024, we acknowledge the example of women who embrace everyone and exclude no one in our common quest for freedom and opportunity,” says Rob Young ’14, director of intercultural development. “Particularly, young people need to learn the value of hearing from different voices with various points of view as they grow up.”

“Embracing Women’s History Month is not just a celebration, but a recognition of the indomitable spirit, resilience, and transformative impact of women throughout history,” adds Anna Paulsen ’24, president of the Women in Economics club. “It’s a tribute to their contributions, a celebration of their achievements, and a commitment to amplifying their voices for a more inclusive and empowered future.”

L-RAJE: Sophie Himmel Society of Women Engineers: Grace Brokenshire (Co-President) + Milka Ininahazwe (Co-President) The Women’s Network: Giulia Matteucci Women in Computing: Kelsey Mallery-Winegard Women in Law: Caitlin Mullooly Women+ in Physics: Jessica McDivitt Empowering Female Athletes: Alison Krieger Her Campus: Jacqueline Vargas NIA: Jada Peters Women in Economics: Anna Paulsen

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting some of our campus leaders championing women’s empowerment and support through their student organizations. In alphabetical order: Grace Brokenshire ’24 (Society of Women Engineers), Sophie Himmel ’24 (L-RAJE), Milka Ininahazwe ’24 (Society of Women Engineers), Alison Krieger ’25 (Empowering Female Athletes), Kelsey Mallery-Winegard ’24 (Women in Computing), Giulia Matteucci ’24 (The Women’s Network), Jessica McDivitt ’24 (Women+ in Physics), Caitlin Mullooly ’24 (Women in Law), Anna Paulsen ’24 (Women in Economics), Jada Peters (NIA), and Jacqueline Vargas ’24 (Her Campus)

The month’s keynote will feature Danielle Bero ’07, an author and education advocate who will speak about her writing career and her work in activist spaces. The event will take place March 6, 4:45 p.m. in New Oechsle 107.

An additional speaking event will be held with Corinne Goodwin, ​​executive director and founder of Eastern PA Trans Equity Project, on March 25, 11:45 a.m. in Limburg Theater.

The office also will host a screening of The Color Purple (2023) in Limburg Theater March 21, 7-9 p.m. 

Check the calendar of events for additional lectures and events throughout the month, including a kickback celebration. 

As an interfaith fellow with the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, Lisa Green ’24 has spent her time at Lafayette planning related programming for women’s month events. 

“I’ve always been so inspired by the stories of women standing up for themselves and their communities,” Green says. “I’ve been led by these powerful inspirations, these powerful women, and I just want to celebrate women every chance I get.” 

Green plans to highlight the women who have been featured on her podcast, Colton Corner, throughout the month, and continue programming for organizations like College Writing Program and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. 

“There’s always a woman to look up to at Lafayette, and when people see women celebrated, they see themselves and they see their community,” Green adds. 

Want to celebrate Women's History? OID recommends these resources:

Podcasts:

  • Code Switch by NPR

   – This podcast explores the intersection of race, ethnicity, and culture. While not exclusively focused on women, it frequently discusses women’s issues through diverse perspectives.

  • The Guilty Feminist

   – Comedian Deborah Frances-White and guests discuss feminism and its challenges in the 21st century, bringing humor and insight to various topics affecting women.

  • Sooo Many White Guys

   – Hosted by comedian Phoebe Robinson, this podcast challenges the lack of diversity in the media by spotlighting women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals in various fields.

  • The Black Girl Podcast

   – This podcast features candid conversations about black women’s experiences, struggles, and successes across different industries.

  • Latina to Latina

   – Host Alicia Menendez interviews Latinas impacting their respective fields, discussing identity, careers, and navigating the complexities of being a woman of color.

Movies/TV shows:

  • The Crown (TV series – Netflix)

   – Explores the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and challenges she faced as a woman in a position of power.

  • Pose (TV series – FX)

   – Set in the 1980s and 1990s, Pose explores the ball culture in New York City, showcasing the lives of transgender women of color.

  • Queen Sugar (TV series – OWN)

   – Created by Ava DuVernay, this series follows the lives of three siblings as they navigate family, love, and the challenges of running a sugar cane farm in Louisiana. 

  • Miss Representation (Movie – Amazon Prime Video)

    – Documentary directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom that explores the misrepresentation of women in the media and its impact on society.

  • One Day at a Time (TV series – Netflix)

   -Sitcom about a Cuban-American family that addresses issues like mental health, immigration, and LGBTQ+ representation.

Books:

  • The Color Purple by Alice Walker

   – Classic novel that explores the lives of African-American women in the early 20th century, addressing issues of race, gender, and resilience.

  • Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde

   – Collection of essays and speeches by Audre Lorde, addressing issues of race, gender, and sexuality from a black, feminist, and lesbian perspective.

  • When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago

   – Memoir recounting the author’s childhood in Puerto Rico and her journey to self-discovery as she navigates cultural identity and womanhood.

  • I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai 

– Autobiography of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate.

  • Women, Race & Class by Angela Y. Davis 

 – Angela Davis examines the struggles of women of color within the broader context of the feminist movement and the fight against racism.

Spotify Music playlists:

  • EmpowerHER 

   – Compilation of empowering songs by women of color across various genres.

  • Women of the World

   – Diverse playlist featuring female artists from different countries and cultural backgrounds.

  • Queens of R&B

   – Celebrate the contributions of women of color in the R&B genre with this playlist.

  • Fierce Femme Hip-Hop

   – Explore the powerful voices of women in the hip-hop industry, sharing their stories and perspectives.

  • Global Sounds of Sisterhood

   – Playlist showcasing women’s music worldwide, celebrating cultural diversity and unity.

Online resources:

  • National Women’s History Museum (NWHM Women’s History Month Toolkit)
  • UN Women – HeForShe Campaign:
  • Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative
  • #SayHerName – A campaign addressing police violence against Black women
Categorized in: Campus life, DEI and OID, Featured News, Intercultural Development, Intercultural Experience, News and Features, Students