Five women in California founded the National Women’s History Project in 1980. After success in lobbying Congress to dedicate the month of March to the celebration of women’s achievements, students and faculty at Youngstown State University can also celebrate.
Sophomore Marissa Rea said she thinks it’s a great idea to celebrate women’s history on campus.
“I feel as if we overlook women’s history, and if YSU were [able] to put it out more and educate us, we would have a better understanding and be able to appreciate it more,” Rea said.
Mehera Gerardo, director of women’s studies, planned an event schedule for March that includes film showings, panel discussions and lectures.
On Wednesday, Stephanie Tingley, coordinator of the American studies program, will join Michael Pontikos, marketing instructor, and Ann Harris, professor emeritus of geology, in the showing of a “Mad Men” episode followed by a panel discussion on images of women.
This will take place in the Williamson College of Business Administration Conference Center at 4 p.m.
On Thursday, International Women’s Day will take place on the fifth floor of Maag Library at 5:30 p.m.
On March 23 at 4 p.m., members of the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative and the Mahoning Valley Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition will show a documentary called “Sex and Money” in DeBartolo Hall.
Student Government Association President Elyse Gessler said young ladies on campus should take advantage of these opportunities.
“Young women should take part in sororities and student organizations because many of the students involved are powerful and independent,” Gessler said. “Any opportunity like this can really add to your college career.”
During the final week of Women’s History Month at YSU, James Edmonson of the Dittrick Medical History Museum at Case Western Reserve University will discuss
“Virtue, Vice, and Contraband: A History of Contraception in America.” This event takes place March 26 at 10 a.m. in the Rose Melnick Medical Museum.
It will be followed on March 30 by a screening of “Sin by Silence” at the McDonough Museum of Art at 1 p.m.
