International Women Celebrated in Multiple Events March 8

Photo Submitted

Doctoral student Francia Ravelombola (right) from Madagascar and her mother (left). Ravelombola said it is customary to wear so much blush to show that "you aren't married!"

The U of A campus will celebrate International Women's Day Monday, March 8. The celebration recognizes women who strive to make positive changes in our world, in our country, and in our community. The theme this year is "Women in Leadership:  Achieving an Equitable Future." 

The day is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and contributions women make in our global society while bringing awareness to the gaps in women's rights across the world.

The all-day celebration includes multiple events and activities, culminating with "The Celebration," a program at 4 p.m. in the Arkansas Union Ballroom featuring inspirational speakers, performances and a global fashion show. U of A alumna track and field athlete and Olympian, Veronica Campbell Brown, will be the keynote speaker.   

The full itinerary for the day includes:​

• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Women of the World Photo
  Photos of U of A international and American women on display, featuring student photographers Juan Rodriguez and Margaret McLemore
  In-person viewing:  Multicultural Center, Student Union Room 403 (March 8-9 only) 
  Virtual gallery
• 2 - 3:30 p.m. — Women in STEM Virtual Panel Discussion 
  • Dean Kim LaScola Needy, College of Engineering
  • Saba Damir Beyene, Managing Dir. of People Operations & Analytics at American Airlines
  • Firuze Soltani Kordshuli, Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering
  • Abigeal Omolewu, masters student in Poultry Science 

Link:  http://tiny.cc/iwd-stem

• 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Flower Give Away & Thank You Note Booth 
  In front of the Union Food Court 
  Notecards will be provided in front of the Union Food Court for anyone to thank faculty, staff, family and friends. Flowers will be given out to women in celebration of International Women's Day.
• 4 - 5:15 p.m. — International Women's Day "The Celebration" Program
  Speakers, performances and a global fashion show will highlight the International Women's Day program featuring student models, volunteers and international representatives:
  • Pratik Maharjan, Nepal
  • Chantel Moseby, USA
  • Leyla Coronel Moreno, Panama
  • Yoharis Murillo, Panama
  • Firuze Soltani Kordshuli, Iran
  • Francia Ravelombola, Madagascar
  • Ian O'Rourke, USA
  • Veronica Campbell Brown, Jamaica

Tickets for the in-person Celebration program are required and can be reserved at http://tiny.cc/iwd-celebration. You must be a current U of A student, faculty, staff or affiliate to reserve an in-person ticket. The Celebration can be viewed virtually for those unable to attend in person.

The U of A International Women's Day celebration is sponsored by the office of International Students and Scholars, International Culture Team, the Associated Student Government and the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education.