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 - Diaper & Laundry Detergent Drive

Donate diapers and/or laundry detergent for Helping Services for Youth & Families’ pantry. Helping Services serves counties in Iowa; programs include domestic abuse advocacy, substance use and problem gambling prevention, youth mentoring, and family education. Their mission is to support healthier and safer families & communities. Right now their pantry is in urgent need of diapers (particularly size 4 and 5) and laundry detergent.

Drop off donations throughout the month during regular business hours either at the HUB located on the 1st floor of the Student Center or at the Student Life front desk located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center.

Learn more about Helping Services for Youth & Families: https://www.helpingservices.org/

Every Wednesday - Rainbow Land Preschool & Daycare Reading Series

Every Wednesday throughout the month (with the exception of spring break), members and friends of EYE will go to Rainbow Land Preschool & Daycare to read to the children.

Founded in 1969, E.Y.E is the longest-standing sorority on the Fayette campus. Their purpose is to promote social activity and eradication of discrimination due to race, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability. A social service group, EYE holds annual fundraisers for, and promotes active participation in groups, donating to funds towards PTSD awareness and Sexual Assault Awareness.

All Month - Inspiring Women Spotlighted Around Campus

Visit the Student Center to read the bios of inspiring women from around the globe.

Wednesday, March 20th at 12:10pm (zoom) - Lunch & Learn: Women in Sports - A Virtual Panel Discussion

Lunch and Learn – Wednesday, March 20^th 12:10-12:45pm: Women in Sports Panel Discussion

Join Zoom Meeting

https://uiu.zoom.us/j/89414163609

Meeting ID: 894 1416 3609

Friday, March 22nd at 5:00pm: BTQ Nibble & Navigate at The Roost

Beta Theta Omega (BTQ) is a student organization striving to promote academic excellence, pride, self-respect, personal integrity, and unity among women.

The sisters of Beta Theta Omega (BTQ) are changing things up this year! They are transitioning their annual etiquette & networking dinner to Nibble & Navigate. This evening students will network with women leaders from campus and the community over tasty appetizers.

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.