Ramapo College kicked off Women’s History Month on Monday, March 3, with an opening proclamation hosted by the Women’s Center.
Students and faculty gathered in the Alumni Lounges to hear from the Rampo community regarding the importance of the month and how it is celebrated at Ramapo.
Assistant Director of The Center for Student Involvement & Coordinator of the Office of Violence Prevention Marie-Danielle Attis began the event with a reading of “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou.
“It’s the fire in my eyes, / And the flash of my teeth, / The swing in my waist, / And the joy in my feet. / I’m a woman / Phenomenally,” Attis read with pride. She then went on to note, “I am a very proud first generation EOF scholar, neurodivergent, black immigrant, Haitian woman, walking, talking example of why DEI is so important.”
Attis recognized that Women’s History Month is a time to honor the achievements and contributions of women from all walks of life.
“These contributions were made…throughout the history of the United States and the world, both by remembering those phenomenal women who have paved the way in the struggles of gender equity and recognizing the history makers and the barrier breakers,” said Attis.
She then introduced the Vice President for Student Well-Being and Dean of Students Melissa Van Der Wall, who spoke on behalf of President Cindy Jebb, who was unable to attend. She spoke of the significance of figures like Maya Angelou, the importance of equality and the strength of being a woman.
“I am honored to be here today and to be surrounded by all of you warriors,” Van Der Wall said. “And with that, the proclamation: Whereas March 1 to March 31 is designated as Women’s History Month in the United States of America, whereas Ramapo College recognizes the month as Women’s HERstory Month…”
Cookie Wahba, the Women’s Center Student Outreach Coordinator, then took to the stage to deliver an incredibly heartfelt speech on womanhood.
“I acknowledge that the only reason I have this platform is because of women who believed in me and put me here,” she said.
She shared personal stories regarding validating womanhood and navigating femininity, both of which were wonderfully articulated and a beautiful addition to the proclamation.
“Womanhood is about living authentically and refusing to let anyone tell us that who we are is less than valid for simply living as herself,” Wahba said.
The audience then heard from Associate Professor of Journalism Regina Clark, who spoke on her research of the Women’s Center, this month’s theme of “Moving Forward Together” and shared personal anecdotes about women in education.
“By way of example, our Women’s Center has been there for so many young women and underrepresented groups through the decades,” Clark said. “It offers insights and support when it comes to issues like gender equality, violence prevention, healthy masculinity and LGBTQ+ issues, and it’s needed today, now more than ever.”
Master’s of Social Work Intern for the Women’s Center Andrea Oliver then informed the group of the upcoming events being held for Women’s HERstory Month, from the Hidden Gems Pop-Up Shops to the Women’s Center’s 50th birthday.
For more information on the upcoming events, head to the Women’s Center in room C-220 or contact women@ramapo.edu.
“Please come and continue celebrating all the wonderful women who made Ramapo and our world what it is today,” Oliver concluded.
ajones11@ramapo.edu
Featured photo by Amanda Jones
