This article appears for archival purposes. Any events, programs and/or initiatives mentioned may no longer be applicable.
Let’s Celebrate Women’s History Month!
Women’s history takes a starring role each year in March as a month-long celebration of the accomplishments women have made to help shape America. Rio Salado College is excited to share in the celebration. College librarians have created a user-friendly LibGuide full of insightful resources and information that can be enjoyed all year long. Rio Salado will also host a webinar to explore women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers in late March. Read on to learn more about why we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, and for information on college-related resources and events.
Origins of Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month was created by Presidential proclamation in 1981 as a week-long celebration to recognize the contributions women have made to the United States in a variety of fields and to honor their legacy of shaping American history. Beginning in 1987, the entire month of March was dedicated to the celebration. The official government website, https://womenshistorymonth.gov/ includes links to exhibits and collections exemplifying the contributions of women, including Rosa Parks, pictured left.
International Women’s Day March 8
International Women's Day, first celebrated in 1911, is observed March 8 as a global day to honor the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality. The theme for this year’s celebration is #BreakTheBias. Learn more: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/.
Rio Salado College Women's History Month Library Guide
This year, Rio Salado College's theme for Women's History Month is Women in STEM, exploring the accomplishments as well as the challenges faced by women who embark on STEM careers. The Rio Salado Library has created a LibGuide to highlight events and resources that can help you learn more about the lives, contributions, and legacies of women leaders. Find the LibGuide at: https://libguides.riosalado.edu/c.php?g=1126524&p=8217995.
Women in Stem Careers Webinar March 24
Join Rio Salado College as we celebrate Women’s History Month with a webinar on “Women in STEM Careers.” The event will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event will feature several speakers: Professor Nichole Neal, Physical Sciences and Engineering faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College; Dr. Tara Nkrumah, assistant research professor in the Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology at Arizona State University; Dr. Kerrie Specker, Rio Salado College computer technology faculty chair; and Dr. Rick Vaughn, Rio Salado College STEM initiatives faculty chair.
Rio Salado Women's History Month initiatives are sponsored by the President’s Office committee for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging to help foster a culture that values and honors everyone's unique qualities with respect and dignity.