JENNA JAUREGUI
FEATURES EDITOR

For the past 100 years, women have shaken the firmament with the strength of their forwardmarching footsteps. From suffrage and birth control to political offices and space shuttle missions, the 20th century saw a surge of change as women broke free from oppression and challenged tradition, leading generations into a fight for gender equality.

The United States recognizes March as Women’s History Month, honoring the diversity and achievements of the many daughters, sisters, and mothers who have left their marks on the global timeline. Tuesday, March 8 was the centennial celebration of International Women’s Day, a day to reflect on the struggles and victories of remarkable women throughout history.

In many countries, International Women’s Day (IWD) is a national holiday. Men traditionally honor the women in their lives by presenting with gifts and flowers as many do on Mother’s Day. According to www.internationalwomensday. com, the holiday was born from the Socialist movement in Copenhagen—Clara Zetkin, leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, spearheaded the idea of a day during which women could meet to review, discuss and campaign for their rights. Since the turbulent social, industrial and political climate of the early 1900s, IWD has helped to raise awareness for women’s liberation and equality.

The Women’s Center at CSUSM provides “support, advocacy and involvement services for the entire CSUSM community” according to its website csusm.edu/wc. All services are “free and open to all students,” and the center works to establish a “home away from home” for students needing privacy, friendship, mentoring, a study space or emergency supplies. To commemorate Women’s “Herstory” Month, the Women’s Center is coordinating a number of informational and fun events for CSUSM students—events that will let remarkable women tell their own remarkable stories. A complete calendar is available at csusm.edu/wc/events/herstory.

On Tuesday, March 15, the Women’s Center is sponsoring “Painting our Herstory,” where students can help paint a mural that will be featured in the Women’s Center and across campus. Come to FCB 5-102 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, March 15, the LGBTQ Pride Center is sponsoring “An Evening of LGBTQ Storytelling” at 5:30 p.m. in the McMahan House.

On Thursday, March 17, the Women’s Center is sponsoring the workshop “Let’s Talk About Sex!” with HOPE & Wellness Center coordinator Cathy Nguyen at 5:30 p.m. in FCB 5-102.

On Thursday, March 17, Pamela Redela and Jill Weight will present “Celebrating Research on Women, Gender and Politics,” discussing topics ranging from “feminicide” to welfare reform during U-hour in Markstein 103.

On Tuesday, March 29, Natalie Wilson and Jodie Lawston will present “Celebrating Research on Women, Gender and Politics,” discussing topics ranging from feminism in Twilight to women prisoners during U-hour in Markstein 103.

On Tuesday, March 29, there will be a screening of the film Two Spirits followed by a panel discussion at 6 p.m. in Clarke 113.