Women’s History Month Events Kick Off Today with ‘Saints on the Battlefield’

The Center for Women’s and Gender Studies will kick off its series of Women’s History Month events with a guest lecture in conjunction with the series’ theme of Saints: Holy and Secular.

Dr. Godriver Odhiambo, assistant professor of history at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, N.Y., will present Modern Day Saints on the Battlefield: The Power and Resilience of Sudanese Women today, March 11, at 6 p.m. in the Power Center Ballroom.

Odhiambo’s discussion will focus 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.

Women’s History Month is held in March to recognize the role that women have played in shaping the world throughout history. For more information on any of the Women’s History Month events, email Women’s and Gender Studies at wsgs@duq.edu.