Noted authors to highlight Women’s History Month

Weavers of Hope: Women Waging Peace

'Weavers of Hope: Women Waging Peace' is the theme for RU's celebration of Women's History Month.

To observe national Women’s History Month in March, Radford University will host a series of events on the theme, "Weavers of Hope: Women Waging Peace."

The Peace Studies Program and Women's Studies Program will use a grant from the U.S. Institute of Peace to bring two internationally known activists to campus in conjunction with a film series addressing issues of global violence, war and peacemaking with particular emphasis on women's peace activities.

On Wednesday, March 6, sociologist Kathleen Barry will speak on "Overcoming Masculine Violence in War and at Home: A Call to Action." Barry is the author of "Female Sexual Slavery," a groundbreaking book about sex trafficking. Among her other works are "The Prostitution of Sexuality" and "Unmaking War, Remaking Men: How Empathy Can Reshape Our Politics, Our Soldiers and Ourselves." Her presentation will be at 5 p.m. in Heth 43.

On Thursday, March 7, Barry will present "A Program for Women and Men: Creating Empathy, Building Activism" at 3:30 p.m. in Hurlburt Student Center 249-250.

Polly Atwell, author of the novel "Wild Girls" and short fiction included in "Best American Mystery Stories" and "Best New American Voices," will read from her works and sign books on Monday, March 18, at 4 p.m. in Muse Banquet Hall.

The opening event for the month will be a viewing and discussion of the film "Beyond Belief," a documentary about widows of the Sept. 11 attacks who traveled to Afghanistan to support the widows of violence there. The screening will be at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 4, in Heth 14.

Faculty and student panels and performances scheduled through March will offer a diverse array of work representing departments and colleges across campus. A complete listing of events is on the Women's Studies blog.

RU Professor Moira Baker, director of the Women’s Studies Program, explained the theme for the month. "In view of recent shocking reminders of the still pervasive gendered violence and misogyny in the world—from Delhi, India, to Steubenville, Ohio—we wanted to bear witness not only to this inhumanity but also to women’s creative nonviolent actions to achieve peace and justice in the world."

For a second year, Women's History Month will feature the RU Distinguished Women Project to acknowledge the dedication and service of outstanding Radford University students, faculty and staff members. Chosen based on the recommendations of college deans, the AP faculty and staff senates, and the Student Government Association, the women will be featured on posters displayed across campus during the month. The honorees are women who show extraordinary commitment to teaching, learning or work at Radford University; demonstrate the desire to use knowledge or work skills to contribute to the betterment of the university and/or society; and are inspirational models for others.

Another popular facet of Women's History Month is the Her-Story Listserv, an online network of writers and readers who share stories or creative artworks about women or aspects of their lives that affect other women. To subscribe, email wstudies@radford.edu.

Women’s History Month is a collaboration of the Women’s Studies Program, the Peace Studies Program, the Women’s Studies Club, the Scholar-Citizen Initiative, Student Club Programming, Peace Studies, Sociology and Women's Studies clubs, and the Virginia Student Education Association.

Feb 26, 2013
Bonnie Erickson
(540) 831-5804
broberts@radford.edu