Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month is dedicated to recognizing the role of women in US history. In February 1980 President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation recognizing the week of March 8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week. The movement continued to grow and by March 1, 1987 Congress issued a declaration of March as Women’s History Month in perpetuity. It is fitting that Women’s History Month follows Black History Month, as women’s suffrage began as an anti-slavery movement.
In big ways, and small, from across campus to around the world, the women of Upper Iowa University have made a difference. Known as the founding mother of Upper Iowa University, it was Elizabeth Alexander’s dream for her daughters and the other children of Fayette, Iowa to receive a good education without having to travel far from home. Her proposal resulted in the founding of Upper Iowa University in 1857.
Upper Iowa will be holding events in honor of National Women’s History Month throughout March. Below are a list of events taking place virtually and in-person as well as several resources. This month, we also encourage employees to post the bio of a woman they would like to honor on their office door or wall. Please visit the employee newsletter for the template. This is a wonderful way to commemorate the women who have played a vital role in our past, present, or personal life. All are welcome to come and celebrate the achievements and progress of women!
Please continue to visit this page as an inspirational quote will be posted each day of the month.
Thank you to the Women’s History Month Planning Committee! Interested in serving on next year’s planning committee? Please contact the Assistant Vice President for Student Life, Danielle Rosario Cushion, at [email protected].
Women’s History Month Quote of the Day
A History of Women at Upper Iowa University
UIU Library Resources
on Women's History
The empowerment of women is booming, voices are strengthened, and our children’s future is bright. While these are achievements to celebrate there is work yet to be done. Inequalities against women are still relevant in society. Roughly 25% of women experience severe intimate partner physical violence, as opposed to 14% of men and 23% of transgender students. The Justice Department estimates 26.4% of college females will experience rape, but less than five percent of these incidents will be reported. Women’s History Month is a time to embolden women with the achievements that continue to occur, and raise awareness of the violence that still is happening. Below is a list of state resources for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, as well as a list of national and local Iowa resources for survivors. One may also donate or volunteer with any of these organizations.
