Sometimes in order to see where we are going, we need to reflect on how far we have come. 

Several campus organizations assembled in the Ceddia Union Building (CUB) to celebrate International Women’s Day five days early. 

Javita Thompson, the director of the first-year experience and community engagement at SU, helped host the event from 12-2 in the CUB great hall with groups such as the National Council for Negro Women, the president’s office, the women’s center and more.  

Students formed an equal sign with their arms in front of a backdrop and posed for photos with their friends. They also wrote messages in “jars of affirmation” to women in need. Finally, they could write pledges to post on a nearby curtain. Even though the event highlighted women, students of all walks of life supported the event.  

“It’s having a lot of impact. Students are coming out, asking questions and wanting to know what we are doing,” Thompson said. 

Although international women’s day is today, March 8, SU decided to celebrate early because students are away from campus for their spring break. 

“So we chose to do this today… so that we can honor their theme of fighting against domestic violence,” Thompson said.

Although the international community celebrates women’s day on March 8, the United States celebrates March as its National Women’s Month. 

The theme for this year’s national women’s month is “Valiant Women of the Vote,” according to womenshistorymonth.gov. This year marks a century since the United States ratified the 17 amendment. 

SU President Laurie Carter attended the event and posed with students.

“It’s important for young women to understand that they can realize their goals and their dreams, whatever they are,” Carter said. 

Carter encouraged students to celebrate the historical accomplishments of women. 

“As a woman president, I want them to realize they too can live out their dreams,” Carter said. 

“All the students — thank them for opening their eyes and being apart of the event,” Javita said. 

Thompson said while students might be home today, they should think about contributing to their local communities throughout their break. They can support women in need by volunteering at local centers for women who have been domestically abused.

The National Domestic Violence Helpline is one of many resources individuals can use to receive help regarding abusive behaviors and relationships. Anyone can access it at thehotline.org or by calling 1−800−799−7233.  

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