March is Women’s History Month, an opportunity to honor and celebrate the contributions of women to our nation. Throughout history, women have faced a distinctive set of challenges while continuing to make crucial contributions to our communities in both private and professional settings.
It is more important than ever for the University of Kentucky community to acknowledge, celebrate, and elevate the voices of those historically ignored. UK honors the communities that have shaped its history through programs like Ubuntu, Latinx Heritage Month, Martin Luther King Day celebrations, and, most recently, Black History Month.
Throughout Women’s History Month, UK Martin Luther King Center undergraduate interns and campus partners will host a variety of events for the campus community to participate in titled Women’s History Month.
Taking part in Women’s History Month is an incredible experience for me!” Ruth Gonzalez Jimenez, Latino student community specialist at the MLK Center, said. It was a pleasure to help current MLK interns coordinate Womxn’s HERStory Month when I was a student at UK and an intern at the MLK Center.
Najiya Clayborn, MLK administrative support intern, expressed her feelings of empowerment being part of a committee full of women. “Our voices really drove this year’s vision,” she noted. “We are certain that our decisions will bring out the best results for all the ladies around us.” Clayborn wanted to reiterate that all of the programs are available to all students at UK and in Lexington. The Women’s HERStory Month celebration will launch on Monday, March 6, with pop-up booths all over campus. Everyone from UK and the surrounding area is welcome to join in, take selfies and get some cupcakes, cookies or cutie oranges!
The community is invited to join the Prominent Women in Islam event on International Women’s Day, March 8. Hosted by UK’s Muslim Student Association, it will be held at 6 p.m. at the MLK Center and presented by Ustadha Lobna Mulla. Attendees will gain insight into the hijab and its importance to the women who wear it. As a part of both Womxn’s HERStory Month and Islamic Awareness Week, this event provides an opportunity for intercultural exchange and learning. Everyone is welcome to attend!
The community is welcome to join us for a keynote address from Lynae Vanee at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 23 in Gatton Student Center Ballroom AB. Nominee for the NAACP Image Award, Vanee is an accomplished poet, producer, and director that will touch upon the importance of liberating women and their rights. A Spelman College and Boston University alumna, she uses digital platforms to bring awareness to race, feminism, and inclusivity. After her speech, Kishonna Gray, Ph.D., UK Associate Professor in Writing, Rhetoric and Digital Studies will moderate a discussion with her.
Luncheon celebrating 135 years of UK Women
Nearly one in five women report being ignored or dismissed regarding their health concerns, compared to only 14% and 6% of men, respectively. But gender stereotypes don’t just affect how medical treatments are administered – they can also weaken inclusivity in research studies and hold female healthcare providers back professionally, leading to fewer women in positions of leadership within academic medicine. To better understand the issue of gender bias and the actions organizations can take to fight it, join a panel made up of UK faculty and UK HealthCare providers for an enlightening discussion.
A testament to our commitment to Kentucky and creating a community of belonging for everyone, UK was ranked by Forbes in 2022 as one of the “Best Employers for New Graduates” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity. Despite the many changes in our mission since 1865, our vision for serving our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University of Kentucky.
