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Women’s History Month

Rich Egger

Rich Egger’s guest on Emphasis is Janine Cavicchia, Director of the Women’s Center at Western Illinois University. They talk about Women’s History Month, which takes place during March.

“Women have always been a part of history, but they haven’t always been a part of the history textbooks and lessons and common knowledge,” Cavicchia said.

Cavicchia believes there is now a greater recognition of women’s contributions, but many are still overlooked. She said their accomplishments should be recognized year-round, but WHM is chance to bring extra attention to their work.

The national theme this year is Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination. The theme was developed by the National Women’s History Project, which is placing an emphasis on recognizing women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

The WIU Women’s Center will host the art exhibit Women’s Art, Women’s Vision during March.  And Cavicchia said the Macomb Feminist Network on March 2 will honor three local women with its annual “Writing Women Back Into History Award.” Cavicchia said the honorees are Betty Kaspar, Janice Welsch, and the late Josephine Johnson.

The keynote speaker for WHM at WIU will be Erica Borggren, Director of the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

“She’ll be speaking on the changing roles of women in the military and issues facing female service members and veterans,” Cavicchia said.

“We have about 100 female veterans on campus and we’re hoping a lot of them will come and participate.”

Borggren’s presentation will take place March 28, 3:30 pm, in the Multicultural Center Multipurpose Room.

Copies of the complete calendar of events can be found around the WIU campus and on the Women's Center website.

Rich is TSPR's News Director.