Events, Uncategorized

NOVA Celebrates Women’s History Month

Black History Month

Have you ever wondered why we have so many themed months throughout the year? Right now we are transitioning from Black History Month (Feb) to Women’s History Month (Mar), and then on to Celebrate Diversity Month (Apr) and Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May). Designated months serve to remind us of particular heritages and histories that have often been ignored or erased. Celebrating these special months is an act of resistance in light of this erasure. As we honor the achievements of different communities, we honor one another’s histories and inspire one another to persist despite adversity. (Pro-Tip: If you need help keeping track of all the theme months, visit NOVA’s Celebrate Diversity Everyday Calendar!)

Women’s History Month provides a unique opportunity to celebrate and honor the achievements of women past and present, as well as raise awareness about different issues affecting women today.
Women’s History Month falls in March because of many historical events that transpired during this month:

International Women’s Day (March 8) was established as a holiday in 1911.
The first major march on Washington by suffragists happened on March 3, 1913.
The National Women’s Party, a group dedicated to achieving voting rights for women, was formed in March 1917.
Title IX was passed on March 1, 1972. Title IX prohibits discrimination due to sex in federally funded education programs. (Pssst… have you met NOVA’s new Title IX Coordinator, Laura Buchs?)
The Equal Rights Amendment was passed in the Senate on March 22, 1972.
You can read more about Women’s History Month here.

NOVA is celebrating Women’s History Month this year through several events and programs happening on all of our campuses. Visit NOVA’s DEI Webpage for an ongoing list that will be updated regularly. If you know of an event that should be listed, please email Sherrene (sdelong@nvcc.edu).

If you have an event to add to this list, please contact Sherrene DeLong. ADA accommodation requests should go to the organizers listed.

Credit for blog content goes to Sherrene DeLong.

Uncategorized

March is Women’s History Month

Did you know March is Women’s History Month? This is a time to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of women throughout history and in our communities today.

Women’s History Month has its roots in International Women’s Day, which has been celebrated on March 8th since the early 1900s. In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in the United States, and since then it has been a time to honor the achievements of women in fields such as science, politics, arts, sports, and more.

While women’s contributions have often been overlooked or marginalized in the past, Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness and educate ourselves about the impact of women in our society. It’s a time to recognize the countless women who have fought for women’s rights and gender equality, as well as those who continue to do so today.

As members of the NOVA community, it’s important for us to not only acknowledge the contributions of women but also to support and amplify the voices of women in our community. We can do this by attending events and lectures related to Women’s History Month, advocating for policies that promote gender equality, and supporting women in leadership roles.

Let’s take this Women’s History Month as an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and work towards a more equitable future for all.

Resources

Your mental wellbeing is important!

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  • TimelyCare for students can be found on NOVA’s website
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About, Uncategorized

What is Women Helping Women?

Picture of four women from diverse backgrounds standing strong. Text says Women Helping Women, Northern Virginia Community College

In 2009, the Jean Braden Center for Women, Gender, and Social Equity launched the Women’s Retention Project as an initiative to better assist students at the NOVA Alexandria Campus. Essentially, students are paired with a NOVA professor or staff member to be their mentor.

Mentors offer mentees:

SUPPORT – Meeting other women students, as well as having an experienced professional and leader to talk with on a regular basis. This is an opportunity to develop a relationship during and after their time as a student at NOVA.
RESOURCES – Learning about and exploring various opportunities (i.e. jobs, scholarships), networking opportunities, programs, etc.
LEADERSHIP – Mentees will be supported in furthering their leadership goals. Past mentees have lead conferences, started international programs to support women, and developed workshops on topics of importance to them.
GRADUATION – Motivation and guidance to help mentees soar through the finish line.

Are you a student, faculty, or staff member at NOVA’s Alexandria Campus and want to learn more? Visit The Braden Center for Women, Gender, and Social Equity.