March’s month long declaration for Women’s History Month highlights the contributions women have made over the course of history that are often overlooked in contemporary society.

IVCC English professor Kimberly Radek has organized a series of panels for Women’s History Month. The theme for this year is “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government.”

The tentative schedule includes programs by political science professor Amanda Cook Festerman at 12:15 Monday, March 14 in Rom C-325 and anatomy professor Sue Caley Opsal at noon Wednesday, March 16 in the Fireplace Lounge .
An updated list of the events scheduled is available at http://www2.ivcc.edu/gender_studies/Womens_History_Month.html.

The month is celebrated throughout March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia and was originally meant to correspond with International Women’s Day on March 8. Women’s History Month brings attention to differences in history by other women by acknowledging the struggles and triumphs, through the social and economic constructs it took to make history.
Women’s History Month brings to light positive role models for young girls that are not covered in an average history class and opens up conversations about sexism throughout history.

When asked about the significance of Women’s History Month, there has been a variety of answer by students.

IVCC student Alexis Eccles says, “A majority of history is written by and focuses on the points of view of men, but WHM gives us a chance to see a woman’s perspective of history that we do not often hear about.”

Some believe there is a general lack of female interpretation in a regular Western Civilization class, a perspective shared even by male students.

Taylor Rosnes states, “I think we do need to learn about women in history.”

A majority of students interviewed could only list three significant women throughout history (Joan D’ Arc, Elizabeth the First, and Marie Currie) but very few could name a woman from the modern era.

When asked why women’s history month is important, students also had a variety of answers. Student Bryann Williams says, “To me, women’s history month is a reminder of where women were before and where we are today.”

This remark does coincide with the month’s reflection on the progress women have made in the past.

Other had more general answers, as with student Brenda Vazquez’s opinion that the month “brings attention to the efforts women have made in our history.”