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.

A History of Women at Upper Iowa University

Scheduled Events (all times CST)

All Month - Cleaning Supply Drive

UIU Sorority Beta Theta Omega (BTQ) is collecting cleaning supply donations for the shelter Friends of the Family, located in Waverly. Please drop off donations at the donation box by the Student Center Hub. Bring donations by the 31^st.

March 6th at 5:30 PM Discussion at the Fayette Community Library

Join UIU’s Assistant Vice President for Student Life at the Fayette Community Library for a discussion on The Power of Fitness During Peri & Post Menopause. This presentation is a free and open to the entire community.

All Month - Inspiring Women Spotlight

Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, UIU is celebrating Innovations. Visit the Student Center to read the bios of women inventors.

Friday, March 14th at 5:30pm: Nibble & Navigate with BTQ

The Sisters of Beta Theta Omega (BTQ) invite all to their Annual Nibble and Navigate on March 14^th starting at 5:30 pm at The Roost (side of Pete’s Bar & Grill)! This event, provides an incredible opportunity to engage with people in the community while enjoying great food.

To ensure we have enough food, please RSVP using this link here: https://upperiowauniversity.questionpro.com/t/AY40xZ5JPb

Monday, March 24th 5:00 PM- 8:30 PM: EmpowHER Dinner in the Student Center Ballrooms

Join us for a night of comradery, advice, and wisdom in the Upper Iowa Student Center Ballrooms in Fayette. University students, faculty, and staff, as well as our neighbors in the community are all invited to register and attend. Keynote message from Tara Thomas and Amanda Goodman of Faith & Four Letter Words, as well as appetizers, a dinner, and dessert for all attendees. Cost for attendees for both the dinner and program is $35. For more information and to RSVP: EmpowHER Dinner – Upper Iowa University Athletics

Learn More

New York Historical Society’s Center for Women’s History

The Center for Women’s History at the New-York Historical Society explores the lives of a wide range of notable women in American history from different cultures, sexualities, classes, and races.

National Women’s Hall of Fame

The National Women’s Hall of Fame, an organization dedicated to “celebrating the achievements of distinguished American women,” features a wide range of icons, many of whom bucked societal gender norms to become the first woman, or one of the first, in their fields.

Smithsonian Women’s History Initiative

Part of the greater network of Smithsonian museums and resources, the Smithsonian Institute’s Women’s History Initiative was tasked with “researching, disseminating, and amplifying the histories of American women” after Congress enacted legislation to create a Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum in December 2020.

UIU Library Resources
on Women's History

Click to view (PDF)

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.