February 19, 2003

Events celebrate Women’s History Month

In celebration of womanhood, California State University, Sacramento, is hosting Women’s History Month. Events range from the entertaining and the fun, such as Decorate Your Speculum Day, to the to the serious and the poignant, like “The Legacy of Matthew Shepard” by his mother Judy Shepard or the lecture, “Women in Afghanistan after the Taliban.”

This year organizers are also taking a broader view.

“We’re trying to bring aboard a little bit of the global perspective,” said Jessica Higgins of the Women’s Resource Center. That is reflected in presentations on exploitation in the international flower industry and a panel discussion on transnational feminist activism.

Closer to home is Judy Shepard’s March 12 lecture on the death of her son, Matthew Shepard. Her son, a gay student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally beaten to death in 1998 in a hate crime that garnered national attention.

“Her story is especially telling of how women in our culture take something devastating and fight back,” Higgins said. “And the issues of homosexuality and hate crimes are pertinent to everyone.” Judy Shepherd is now the executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, which raises awareness of issues surrounding diversity and discrimination.

This year’s events also feature performance pieces developed by CSUS students. Themed around “Transforming the Feminine,” the performances are on March 5 and 27.

Also new this year is Decorate Your Speculum Day on March 11. The event is aimed at demystifying—and having a little fun—a subject few women, especially young women, are comfortable with: the pelvic exam.

“The biggest fear they have is of the speculum,” Higgins said. “It’s really not painful, even if it is uncomfortable, and laughing about it really relieves the tension.” The examination implement also looks vaguely like a duck—but a very plain duck—hence the need to decorate it. Those who want will be able to adopt a speculum and glue on glitter, beads, feathers and other decorations as well as get information about women’s health issues.

For more information, call the Women’s Resource Center at 278-7388; a detailed listing of events is available at www.csus.edu/wrc. Media assistance is available from CSUS public affairs at (916) 278-6156.

Schedule of events

Monday, March 3
Gala Celebration and Reception Opening—Jennifer Smith, co-anchor “News 10 at 6:30,” will share her experience as a woman in the media. CSUS women’s groups will also be recognized; noon, University Union Redwood Room,

Tuesday, March 4
“Women & Tobacco: Seven Deadly Myths”—Video narrated by supermodel Christy Turlington addressing how the tobacco industry captures and keeps girls and women as smokers, followed by a discussion; noon, University Union Hinde Auditorium.

Wednesday, March 5
Reception to Honor CSUS Student Mothers; 11 a.m. at the Women’s Resource Center/Multi-Cultural Center, Library 1010.

“Transforming the Feminine I” Original performance pieces developed by CSUS students; 7 p.m. in Capistrano Hall 151.

Tuesday, March 11
“Decorate Your Speculum”—CSUS Student Health Fair; 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in the University Union Redwood Room.

“Transnational Feminist Activism: Historical Legacies and Contemporary Challenges”—A panel with Michelle Matisons, Ghada Masri and Shireen Miles discussing feminists organizing to fight globalization, war and new immigration policies in the context of the war on terrorism and discussing some new challenges for activists today; noon in the University Union Hinde Auditorium.

“Ulali” Women’s a cappella trio creates its own sound blending strong traditional roots and personal contemporary style; 7:30 p.m. in the University Union Ballroom.

Wednesday, March 12
International Women’s Day—A performance by Taiko Dan drummers; noon, University Union Redwood Room.

“Legacy of Matthew Shepard”—Lecture by Judy Shepard, mother of hate crime victim Matthew Shepard; 7:30 p.m., University Union Ballroom.

Tuesday, March 18
“Love, Women and Flowers”—A film exposing the exploitation of women in the carnation industry; 5:30 p.m., Women’s Resource Center/Multi-Cultural Center, Library 1010.

Wednesday, March 19
“Women in Afghanistan after the Taliban”—Lecture by Soheir Stolba of the SHARE Institute; noon, University Union Hinde Auditorium.

Thursday, March 20
“Globalization’s Impact in Colombia”—Lecture by Stephanie Miles on Colombian women organizing in the flower industry and relating this labor struggle to political issues of ecology, globalization and oppression; noon, University Union Hinde Auditorium.

Tuesday, March 25
“Chance”—An independent film, written, directed and starring Amber Benson, who plays Tara Maclay on television’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Benson will attend and may host a question and answer period following the screening; 7 p.m., University Union Redwood Room.

Thursday, March 27
“Transforming the Feminine II”—Original performance pieces developed by CSUS students for Women’s History Month; 7 p.m., University Union’s Redwood Room.

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