March is National Women’s History Month and from women like Sojourner Truth to Frida Kahlo to Ariana Grande and Madonna, we sure have got a lot to celebrate. What started as International Women’s Day on March 8th evolved into a week of celebration for the women of the world and, eventually, women were designated a whole month in the U.S. by President Jimmy Carter in 1986. Communities around the nation, and even the world, practice traditions annually to celebrate the mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends in their lives. In Albania, yellow mimosas and chocolates are commonly used as gifts, Poland uses the occasion to hold public feminist demonstrations, and many African countries use the day to promote awareness for issues such as public health, human rights, and socioeconomic struggles that women face in their day-to-day lives. In the United States, flowers, cards, and chocolates are regularly given as gifts.
Even our own university is holding events to celebrate women throughout the month. The Women’s Programming Advisory Committee (WPAC) in cooperation with Oklahoma State Queers and Allies (OSQ&A) are putting on the 5th annual Prism Fest. Prism Fest is a showcase for local LGBT+ and female artists, they will be featuring a set by the musical artist Annie Oakley. This event will be held March 8th, 2019 in the Student Unions Starlight Terrace from 6 to 9 pm. Prism Fest is free to enter, while donations are encouraged at the door. All proceeds will be donated to Planned Parenthood. Oklahoma State will also be putting on a production of the acclaimed show The Vagina Monologues. This show is a set of monologues written by women for women, about the female experience performed by your fellow students. Oklahoma State University’s Feminist Coalition will be sponsoring this production and while the date is to be determined, keep your schedule clear through March to make it to this phenomenal production. Be sure to spread the love to the ladies in your life this month, they deserve it.