S.A.C. brings activities for Women’s History Month

India Williams
Staff Writer
Mar. 4, 2004, Page 4

Europe celebrated International Women’s Day for the first time on March 8, 1911.
Ninety-three years later the Student Activities Council is designating March as Doane’s official Women’s History Month for the first time.
The purpose of Women’s History Month is to increase individuals’ knowledge about women’s struggles and contributions to the world. S.A.C. plans on celebrating this month by focusing on women’s minds, bodies and souls on campus. The scheduled events are arranged to help women feel appreciated and special while recognizing those who paved the way for women today.
“In order to make the students feel special, we’ve scheduled self defense classes, massages, a health awareness day and many other activities,” said S.A.C. Director Wilma Jackson. “We hope this will give women on this campus the opportunity to focus on themselves for once.”
Other colleges in Nebraska celebrate Women’s History Month differently. Instead of a month, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln celebrates a week (March 1-6). Every year they give the celebration a theme. This year’s theme is “Everyday Activism” where they plan to recognize nationally known activists and UNL students for their commitment to make a change.
Even though Women’s History Month is a national celebration, students express how they never heard information about it here.
“I didn’t know about this month, but I wish Doane would’ve acknowledged it before,” said senior Elizabeth Wells. “Doane should’ve celebrated this month before because women need to know about women of their past.”
“Although I knew about this holiday, I never seen it publicize like Black History Month or Cinco de Mayo, but it needs to be because it also informs people about influential individuals,” said sophomore Brande’ Johnson.
Some students question whether there should be a celebration for men in addition to Women’s History Month.
“We should celebrate this month because history itself is based off males and it’s time for women to be brought to the surface,” said junior Mark Henry.
“We shouldn’t necessarily have a month just for women because men aren’t recognized,” freshman Myndee Ebbers said. “Men and women should equally be celebrated.”
Students interested in celebrating Women’s History Month can contact Wilma Jackson or look for fliers throughout campus.