Three decades ago, Congress proclaimed that March would be the month to celebrate the contributions and achievements of American women in history, designating this month as Women’s History Month.

“Women’s History Month is both necessary and important. It provides a platform for honoring the many contributions of women in all areas of society,” said Melina Alexander, director of the Women & Gender Studies program at Weber State University.

Every year, there is a new theme for Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is “Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business.”

To help raise awareness and celebrate Women’s History Month, Weber State’s Women & Gender Studies Program will be holding numerous events on campus.

Events have already taken place on campus to honor Women’s History Month. On March 14, there was a public lecture by Eliza von Joeden-Forgey about gender, genocide and humanitarianism in the Wildcat Theater.

A presentation titled “Untold Stories of Women Trailblazers” will be held on March 16th at 9:00 a.m. in the Diversity Center located in the Shepherd Union Building.

Weber State has the honor of hosting Mary Robinson — first female president of Ireland and former United Nations Commissioner for human rights on March 17. Robinson will give a presentation at 2:30 p.m. in Ballroom A of the Union Building.

On March 20, Weber State’s Adrienne Andrews, Carol McNamara and Leah Murray will be hosting the “Women & Gender Studies Afternoon Tea.” The theme of this event is educating women for political & community involvement/engagement. This will be held in the Fireplace Lounge in the Shepherd Union at 12:00 p.m..

On March 21, there is a film screening of “Private Violence,” followed by panel discussion, Q/A & refreshments at noon in Shepherd Union room 322.

Wrapping up the month, a play titled “The Subject” will be read, followed by a discussion of sexual assault prevention & response with the playwright Carolyn Kras on March 31 at 3:30 PM.

“I hope that professors around campus raise awareness in their classes about how important Women’s History Month is,” Alexander said.

According to the National Women’s History Project, “This theme honors women who have successfully challenged traditional roles of women in both business and the paid labor force. Women have always worked, but often their work has been undervalued and unpaid.”

To learn more about the events on campus for Women’s History Month visit the Women’s Center website or the Weber State calendar.