Women’s Herstory Month is especially meaningful in education

Photo courtesy of Ramapo College, Flickr.

 

As Women’s Herstory Month comes to an end, it is important to reflect and remember why we recognize and celebrate this month. Women’s Herstory Month is a way for the world to honor all of the important women who have changed the world. This celebration is also a reminder to all women that — as cheesy as it sounds — they can do anything they put their minds to. 

Unfortunately, we live in a world where sexism still runs rampant. No matter where you are in the world, there are people that believe that women are lesser than men. But, Women’s Herstory Month not only encourages women to strive for their goals, it also educates the rest of society that women are strong, intelligent and equally capable to their male counterparts. 

One of the most important places to acknowledge this month are schools and colleges. These institutions are where women and young girls can discover their true potential and identify their dreams, while men and young boys can learn how much of an impact women have had historically on society and what they are capable of achieving in the future. 

More specifically, the Ramapo College community initiated an endless amount of programs that have been spread throughout this month to ensure that every woman on campus feels seen and appreciated. 

The month was kicked off by the college with the Women’s Herstory Month Opening Convocation. This event was held on Feb. 28 and had a handful of guest speakers including President Cindy Jebb. The Association of Latinos Moving Ahead put on an event called “Mujeres Poderosas,” meaning “powerful women,” that discussed “powerful and influential Latina women” and focused on “the celebration of self identifying Latinas and allies.” 

The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Compliance held a workshop “based on Mikki Kendall’s incredible book, Hood Feminism, [where they explored] intersectional feminism and the weak spots in the feminist movement.”

The Office of Violence Prevention held a no-contact Krav Maga self-defense class for everyone on campus, not just women. The Women’s Center held an event called “Women’s Herstory Month: Celebrating Women in Small Business” where they hosted “guest speaker and RCNJ alum, Amanda Nafash, owner of InnerCalling LLC” as well as a local Girl Scout organization.

The events and Women’s Herstory Month exhibits that have been displayed all over the Ramapo campus have allowed for women to feel seen by our college and community. 

It is so important for colleges to embrace this month to encourage the women on their campuses to reach their full potential and remember the women who came before and changed the world.

 

agiampag@ramapo.edu