Join us as we celebrate women’s history and (borrowing from the 2021 Presidential Proclamation), “pay tribute to the trailblazers from the recent and distant past for daring to envision a future for which no past precedent existed, and for building a [world] of endless possibilities for all of its women and girls.” Building on our work last year to commemorate milestone anniversaries of UVA’s journey to full co-education, the Women’s Center is excited to call for proposals of events contributing to a pan-University celebration in March of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8).

The photo above captures the spirit of our goals for Women’s History month: history is not merely a set of facts. A recent poll of the American public found an overwhelming desire among respondents for “evidence-based techniques that embrace the ambiguities of the past, and that challenge their understandings of history itself.” Following Emily Dickinson’s advice to “tell the truth but tell it slant,” we are calling for Women’s History Month celebrations that embrace and explore nuances to a multitude of stories. Just as the photo draws your eye to viewing the Rotunda on a slant, to seeing the physical building and its ephemeral reflection, we invite you all to consider not just the bare facts of the past but also the stories that link them, the multiple pictures that they form.

The Women’s Center will promote Women's History Month events hosted by a range of offices and CIOs across Grounds. Requests for inclusion in the month’s calendar of events can be submitted here by 11:59pm on Sunday, January 31, 2022.

The Women's Center and the Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are providing funding to assist partners across Grounds who submitted event proposals in the fall and were selected to receive co-sponsorship funds. 

Some questions you might have – and answers to them:

Q: Can student groups/CIOs apply for co-sponsorship?
A: Yes!

Q: Is there a particular format that my event needs to follow?
A: No! We hope to see a mix of panels, talks, interactive programs, and other events.

Q: Does my event have to happen in-person?
A: oh, Covid… No! Both in-person and online events are welcome for inclusion in the program of events. If you need assistance with setting up a zoom webinar, contact Carol Gilbert ([email protected]).

Q: Who are these events for?
A: The entire University and Charlottesville-area community!

Q: Does my event have to focus on UVA women?
A: Hoos are fabulous – but no. We’re hoping to have a mix of events that celebrate the phenomenal women of UVA and that offer inspiration to the entire community.

Q: Why March?
A: Several important anniversaries occur in March:

• March 1, 1972: Title IX, which prohibits discrimination due to sex in federally-funded education programs, was passed.
• March 3, 1913: The first major march on Washington by suffragists.
• March 8, 1911: International Women's Day was established as a holiday.
• March 22, 1972: the Equal Rights Amendment was passed in the Senate.

My favorite apocryphal quote by George Eliot is, “It’s never too late to be who you were meant to be.” Join us in sharing stories of strong, accomplished women, celebrating the full range of important roles that women have played in history by walking in their footsteps across Grounds, and be inspired to pursue your own dreams and visions!