By Karen Chambless

Lee University’s Cultural Diversity Committee will host a series of events during the week of March 14-18 to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD).

IWD is recognized worldwide to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Lee began honoring the day in 2008.

“International Women’s Day is a tribute to all the women who have fought across time and space against all forms of discrimination, exclusion, marginalization, violence, and lack of equal opportunities,” said Dr. Sara Ortega-Higgs, associate professor of French and Spanish at Lee. “It is also a time to recognize that in most countries of the world, these problems are still relevant.”

On Tuesday, March 15, a special liturgical service will take place in the chapel at 10:40 a.m., led by Heidi Johnson, ordained minister and adjunct to campus ministries at Lee. Dr. La-Juan Bradford, director of Academic Support, will speak, and Ladies of Lee will provide special music.

On Wednesday, March 16, an interdisciplinary poster presentation session will take place in the Great Room of the Science and Math Complex from 1-4 p.m. Students from diverse majors including political science, business, anthropology, and mathematics will present on a variety of topics pertaining to women’s issues and equality. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three student presenters.

“The poster session last year was a success in bringing students into the conversation,” said Dr. Ana Alves, chair of the IWD subcommittee. “This year I am expecting even more students to participate both by presenting their research on issues that affect women locally, in the U.S., and across the globe, and by engaging in conversations with the students presenting.”

A reception for all Lee faculty and staff will follow the poster session where outstanding women will be honored for their work.

“During IWD, we give women a voice in the sacred sphere of chapel, and we also offer a reception to honor female faculty and staff members who have been nominated by their respective supervisors for their outstanding work performance, their character, and their service to the Lee community and beyond,” said Ortega-Higgs. 

On Thursday, March 17, Maria Fernanda Snaidero Ramirez, Director of Women’s Ministries in Latin America for the Church of God, will speak in Conn Center chapel at 10:40 a.m. A “Worthy Now” chapel will take place in the Dixon Center at the same time. Worthy Now is an event sponsored by the Student Development sector that encourages the replacement of an “I’ll be worthy when…” mindset with an “I am worthy now” mentality.

On Friday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m., Natalie Fuehrer Taylor, associate professor of government at Skidmore College, will speak on feminism and political theory. This event will take place in the Rose Lecture Hall of the Helen DeVos College of Education. CultureFest will take place in Alumni Park at 7 p.m. The purpose of CultureFest is to highlight multiple areas of ethnic diversity on campus and give students the chance to interact with these cultures.

All events are free, non-ticketed, and
open to the public. Wednesday’s reception is for Lee faculty and staff only.
 

 For more information about Lee’s International Women’s Day events, contact Dr. Ana Alves or visit Facebook.