WSU celebrates Women’s History Month

March marks the 30th anniversary of Weber State University’s Women’s Studies program. March is also Women’s History Month, the time to celebrate women who have made an impact on history around the world.
“It’s important that we don’t forget that women have played an equal role in shaping our country and our world,” said Michael Martinez, a WSU psychology senior. “Reminding ourselves of that is always a good thing.”
Women’s History Month is intended to focus on not only prominent women, but also women less known or heard of.
“Women’s History Month is a time to remember women who are generally left out of our history books,” said Maria D. Parilla de Kokal, Women’s Studies program coordinator.
For the past 30 years, WSU has annually taken the time to remember and recognize those women who have had an impact and changed societies for the better. Events are held every March to commemorate and celebrate the lives of these women and their positive impacts on the world.
Events kicked off March 1. Women’s Studies has coordinated events to span the month of March, including art galleries at the Davis campus, poetry readings, displays, book discussions and guest speakers. All events will focus on honoring women throughout history.
Students on campus said it is important to recognize and remember those who have helped put U.S. society where it is today. Many historical women are interesting and prominent figures for both men and women.
“Rosa Parks, Harriett Tubman and Queen Isabella I have all been important to me in our history,” Martinez said. “Rosa and Harriett are people that started out with next to nothing but gave themselves selflessly to others, and that is commendable.”
Although Martinez was initially unaware such a month existed, he said he was happy to hear about it and felt it is important to remember those individuals.
“It’s good to remember how oppressed women were in the past, where you have been, where you are now and where you want to be in the future,” he said.
Naomi Stewart, a WSU social work junior, also talked of Women’s History Month’s importance.
“I think it’s important for us to be aware of things that are still going,” Stewart said. “It builds on our ability to create equality not just for all women, but for all people.”
Stewart said it is important to remember the women who led the women’s suffrage. She said that without their actions, society would not be as productive as it is today.
“The women’s suffrage made people aware that women deserve all the same and equal rights as men,” Stewart said.
Many people have their own inspirations, women who have impacted the nation, world or even just small groups.
“My grandmother was one of the most influential women in history to me,” Parrilla de Kokal said. “She made so many sacrifices to ensure our education.”
Old or young, prominent or unrecognized, many women have played profitable roles in U.S. history. March provides the opportunity to honor these individuals for their efforts and sacrifices.
For more information or services offered during March to celebrate Women’s History Month, visit www.weber.edu/womenstudies.