Luther College celebrates Women’s History Month in March

Hongxiao Yu

Luther College will celebrate Women’s History Month in March with events that showcase women’s leadership in the workplace, self-expression and contributions to society. The events are free and open to the public.

“The Department of Identity Studies is proud to support events in Women’s History Month to remind us that half of human history is about women and our contributions to society,” said Char Kunkel, head of the identity studies department at Luther. “All too often academia, knowledge in the western world at least, assumes that men are the only ones who invented, created, explored, built, and sustained the world; at least the important things. We wouldn’t be here without the contributions of women. Let’s celebrate that!”

The commemoration events start with an International Women’s Day Tea and Talk from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, in the Peace Dining Hall inside the Dahl Centennial Union at Luther College. Hongxiao Yu, assistant professor of management, will discuss “Rights, Equality and Empowerment” with a focus on business, management and leadership. She will present data about women in the workplace, barriers preventing women from being promoted to top leadership roles at national and international corporations, and the unique cultural pressures facing women.

“I’m excited to share my personal stories about equality and talk about female leadership issues around the world,” she said.

Join the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support to learn about the power of hair at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, in room 111 of the Main Building.

“This event is designed to elevate the power of hair as a tool for self-expression, strength and solidarity,” said Michelle Boike, assistant dean and director of the Center for Engagement and Support. “Participants will leave feeling affirmed, seen and connected within their college community.”

Women’s History Month wraps up with a free viewing of “The Six Triple Eight” (2024) at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, in Valders 206. Based on the true story of the only all-Black unit of the Women’s Army Corps to serve overseas during World War Ⅱ, this inspiring and heartfelt film tells the unit’s fight to fix a three-year backlog of undelivered mail and improve war morale.

“The Six Triple Eight” was written and directed by Tyler Perry and stars Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian and Oprah Winfrey. The film’s featured song, “The Journey,” written by Diane Warren and performed by H.E.R. was a Best Original Song nominee at the 97th Academy Awards.