U of A Recognizes and Celebrates Women’s History Month

Departments across the University of Arkansas and in our own Fulbright College have created a slate of entertaining events and are sharing fascinating historical facts about phenomenal women to celebrate Women’s History Month 2022 all March long.

Highlights from the celebration include a celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, which is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and contributions women make in our global society while bringing awareness to the gaps in women’s rights across the world.

Fulbright College’s own Shauna Morimoto, chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminology, will be the event’s keynote speaker, and will give a talk on “Building a Community of Support to Celebrate International Women’s Day.”

Student Eva Caroline Stephani from Indonesia celebrating with her daughters. Photo by Maggie McLemore.

Additionally, International Women’s Day kicks off the opening of the “Women of the World” exhibition in the Anne Kittrell Gallery in the Arkansas union. The portrait project started around two decades ago at the U of A and is mostly curated by student photographers. Viewers can see portraits of current international and U.S. students and staff for this year’s project.

The “Women of the World” photo essay, or WOW, highlights the culture, fashion, and influences of women and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through March 30.

The Department of Music is also hosting its fourth annual SHE Festival of Women in Music virtually March 13-18, featuring two guest composers, a faculty concert and a student concert, all highlighting musical compositions written by women. The events are free and open to the public, but registration is required by visiting the Department of Music website.

Furthermore, the University Libraries Multimedia Department has compiled a list of Women’s History Month streaming videos available to all students, staff and faculty; the University of Arkansas News publication is sharing stories of inspirational women throughout the university’s history; and the university’s Portraits of Progress site is also recognizing many of our female pioneers.

Women’s History Month began in 1982 as Women’s History Week, which eventually became a monthlong celebration of the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

A version of this story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.