Women's History Month in the United States traces its origins to International Women's Day (March 8) which was started in the early 1900's as part of a movement aimed at protesting working conditions for women. International Women's Day while recognized by many countries was not officially recognized in the United States. In fact, as recently as the 1970's, women's history was virtually an unknown topic in the educational curriculum of our schools or in general public consciousness. 

To address this situation, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a "Women's History Week" celebration in 1978 around International Women's Day. After the initiation of similar celebrations within other organizations and school districts, the task force supported an effort to secure a Congressional Resolution declaring a "National Women's History Week." In 1981, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) co-sponsored the first Joint Congressional Resolution.

In 1987, the National Women's History Project petitioned Congress to expand the national celebration to the entire month of March. Since then, the National Women's History Month Resolution has been approved with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Each year, programs and activities in schools, workplaces and communities have become more extensive as information and program ideas have been developed and shared.

Planning for Loyola's Women's History Month begins around the Thanksgiving holiday. Contact diversity@luc.edu for information about how to get involved.

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2011 WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH EVENTS

March 1, 2011
Women In  Leadership Affinity Group Meeting

Join women in leadership across the Loyola campuses to network, discuss, and plan for the future.
Piper Hall
4:30-6:00 P.M.

March 3, 2011
Film and Discussion: For Colored Girls
This film is adapted from the original choreopoem by Ntozake Shange. A discussion, about the different issues

that impact women and women of color in particular, will follow the film.
Black Cultural Center-Campion Hall
7 :00 P.M.

March 24, 2011
Ann Baum Women and Leadership Lecture
All Politics is Local: Lifetime Achievement Awards for Public Service
Celebrate the lifetime achievement of four stellar alderwomen; honoring retiring alderwomen Vi Daley, Virginia

Rugai, Helen Schiller and Mary Ann Smith.
Mundelein Auditorium
7:00-9:00 P.M.

March 25, 2011
Social Justice Dinner Dialogue: Celebrating Local Women of Color
Come celebrate and hear the stories of local women who are making a difference in Chicago.

Piper Hall 
Time TBA

March 30, 2011
Tea, Taboo, and Fondue

Join this multi-faith tea party. Open to everyone on campus.
Mundelein Greenhouse
7:00-9:00 P.M.

March 31, 2011
Gannon Scholars Leadership Recognition Luncheon
Celebrate the scholars and their exemplarily leadership developed from their confidence, determination,

persistence, and the desire for excellence.
Piper Hall
Noon

April 1-2, 2011
Second Annual Women of Color Conference
Deeply Rooted: Owning, Celebrating and  Investing in Who We Are
Take part in this annual retreat that explores and celebrates Loyolan women of color.  Faculty, staff, and both undergraduate and graduate students are welcomed.  For more information about securing a spot, please contact us at diversity@luc.edu.

LUREC
Departing CFSU at  3:00 P.M. 

Women's History Month is sponsored by: Gannon Center for Women and Leadership, Hillel, MASA, Ministry Department, and the Department of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs.

 

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