Every year, when the calendar hits March 8, the achievements and successes of women worldwide are commended. To celebrate International Women’s Day, multiple faculty and staff members of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College shared what the day means to them.
“International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women and raises awareness regarding gender bias. At the same time, we must remember that some of the most fundamental human rights are still denied to many women and girls around the world, including food insecurity, access to education and health care, civil rights, physical violence and the wage gap. As we stand together to empower all women, be reminded of the contributions and challenges of women of color and demonstrate the importance of their voices worldwide.”
Dee Reed, associate vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion
“International Women’s Day means so much to me. It is an opportunity for us to acknowledge and celebrate all women, at all diverse intersections, in all parts of our world. It is a chance for us to consider the unique struggles of women across various cultures, and to reignite the fire inside us to fight for all women. In the words of Audre Lorde, ‘I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.’”
Sara Church, director of addictions counseling, lecturer of psychology
“I feel crunches in my stomach as I think more about the status of women in societies, the inequalities in pay, hiring discrimination, underrepresentation in politics and leadership roles… With all the systemic injustices against women, one keeps questioning the significance of a day dedicated to women of the world if actions don’t speak against such injustices.
I have been following a series about women who have been involved in science. This week’s topic was Marie Curie. The paragraph I read flashed my thoughts like a lightning bolt. ‘In 1903, Pierre Curie was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics with Henri Becquerel for his work on radiation. He declares that he will refuse the award if it is not shared with his wife, Marie Curie. The Nobel Committee adds Marie Curie. Thus, Marie Curie becomes the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize. Marie Curie wrote in her notebook, ‘Pierre knew I did all the work.’’
Bravo! I thought Madame Curie had chosen the right man! Above all, it made my heart rejoice that a scientist is so honest and gives women their due. However, I was still saddened by the fact that our rightful recognition was still dependent on a man (his fight against this injustice) and that such injustices were and still are systemic.
Yes, dedicating and celebrating a day for women as a focal point in the women’s rights movement, is great! Yet, we need to reflect every day about how we can take our rightful place in history, now and in the future, for without women, societies would not exist! We must take International Women’s Day as a day to remember women whose contributions made it possible for us to be heard and continue to lay the foundation for our fight against injustices.”
Suad Sakali-Gumus, associate professor of education
“International Women’s Day is very special to me. This day is one to take time to reflect on my rich Panamanian heritage with pride and understand the sacrifices of those who came before me. I celebrate with all my sisters from around the world the vast strides that have been made for the rights and freedoms of womanhood. United, we can stand in support of one another and must be the voice of those who still need to be heard, recognized and respected. I envision a day when women will never be silenced, and we will dance in the streets to celebrate who we are and give hope to future generations. We will show them who we are!”
Martha Reed, associate director of the career center
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