Women’s History Month Celebrated by Faculty, Students and Guest Lecturers

March is Women’s History Month, and the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies is sponsoring several events that highlight the role of women in times of crisis, in celebrating faith and in driving progress. In keeping with the center’s chosen theme, Saints: Holy and Secular, most of the events will focus on the power of female saints.

Women’s History Month events begin on Wednesday, March 11, with a presentation from guest lecturer Dr. Godriver Odhiambo on the roles played by women in the African liberation struggles, especially the resilience of south Sudanese women. Although history in most cases ignores the role of women, Odhiambo will show how Sudanese women played different roles during the civil war, which spanned more than 55 years. They not only served as combatants on the battle front, but also as auxiliary soldiers who sacrificed their time serving the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in the forest undertaking different assignments.

Below is a detailed schedule for Women’s History Month activities at Duquesne.

Wednesday, March 11

Modern Day Saints on the Battlefield: The Power and Resilience of Sudanese Women
Dr. Godriver Odhiambo, assistant professor of history, Le Moyne College
6 p.m., Power Center Ballroom

Friday, March 13

Who are our Saints? Building a National Pantheon in the Modern Museum
Dr. Alima Bucciantini, assistant professor of history, Duquesne University
4 p.m., Room 553, College Hall

Deadline to submit essays for the Eleanore Holveck Essay Contest
Each spring the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies honors one undergraduate and one graduate student with the Eleanore Holveck Essay Award. This award is given to students for essays that most effectively and proficiently advance a conversation about women’s, gender or sexuality studies. Winners receive a certificate and monetary award and are recognized at the center’s annual spring reception.

Friday, March 20

Defining and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (faculty and staff only)
Sean Weaver, director, Office of Anti-Discrimination Policy and Compliance; Title IX Coordinator
4 p.m., Room 553, College Hall

Saturday, March 21

Duquesne Women in Philosophy 2015 Conference: Violence and Embodiment
Keynote speaker: Ann Murphy, assistant professor of philosophy, University of New Mexico
Thomas J. Murrin Room, Room 505, Rockwell Hall

Thursday, March 26

Blessed Among All Women: The Subversive Power of Female Saints
Women’s History Month Keynote Presentation
Robert Ellsberg, editor in chief and publisher, Orbis Books
6 p.m., Power Center Ballroom, Power Center

For more information on any of the Women’s History Month events, email Women’s and Gender Studies at wsgs@duq.edu.