Portia Williams

PDT Staff Writer

March is National Women’s History Month and Shawnee State University’s Women’s Center is prepared to host a series of events in light of the month’s celebration.

Ann Linden, the Women’s Center Director, said women have been and continue to be underrepresented in mainstream history.

“During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the contributions women have made throughout history. We hope that their knowledge of their accomplishments will inspire others,” Linden said.

The Women’s Center is sponsoring a Read In on March 12 at noon in Clark Memorial Library to celebrate women writers. Everyone is welcome to come read a piece by one of their favorite writers or just enjoy listening to others read. Refreshments will be available.

On Tuesday, March 19, the Women’s Center will be screening “Miss Representation.” The film, which premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, “exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America…

Stories from teenage girls and provocative interviews with politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists and academics like Condoleezza Rice, Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Margaret Cho, Rosario Dawson and Gloria Steinem build momentum as Miss Representation accumulates startling facts and statistics that will leave the audience shaken and armed with a new perspective,” the film’s website listed.

There will also be a panel discussion after the film featuring students, faculty and staff.

Wednesday, March 20 at noon in Room 215 of the University Center Dr. Mary Oling-Sisay will present “The Evolution of the Role of the African Woman: One Step Forward Two Steps Backwards?”

This presentation will examine the evolution of the role of the African Woman from pre-colonial times to the present. A selection of artifacts, traditional clothing, photographs and jewelry will be displayed and their symbolism discussed as part of the presentation.

The schedule events for Women’s History Month will conclude Tuesday, March 26 from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Clark Memorial Library main floor Alcove when Gender Historian and Shawnee State instructor Ginny Young will present “I Just Want Equal Treatment: The Impacts of Title VII.”

Young’s talk will focus on ways in which Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 first impacted and continues to impact women’s opportunities in the workplace.

Linden said she believes the slate of scheduled events will both enlighten and inspire all who attend, and is looking forward to the activities.

All events are free and open to the public. People may call the Shawnee State University Women’s Center at 740-351-3738 for more information.

Portia Williams may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 286 or portiawilliams@civitasmedia.com.