Eastern Celebrates National Women's History Month

Written by Allison Kelly

Willimantic, Conn. - The Women's Center at Eastern Connecticut State University is presenting numerous events in March in honor of Women's History Month.  The public is invited.  Admission is free.   

            On March 3, Robin Morgan, award-winning poet, author and feminist activist, will speak about her role in the international women's movement at 7 p.m. in the Paul E. Johnson Sr. Community Conference Room in the J. Eugene Smith Library.

            On March 5, "Good Lessons from Bad Women in History," a one-woman performance presented by Dorothy Leeds, portrays the lives of historically "disreputable" women and will take place at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Theater in the Student Center.

            On March 10, Daisy Cocco De Filippis, president of Naugatuck Valley Community College and author of an anthology on Dominican women authors, will speak at 3:30 p.m. in Student Center Theater.

            On March 11, Ruth Butler, professor at the University of Massachusetts at Boston, will discuss her new book, "Hidden in the Shadow of the Master: The Model-Wives of Cezanne, Monet, and Rodin," at 3 p.m. in the Paul E. Johnson Sr. Community Conference Room of the J. Eugene Smith Library.

            On March 12 and March 13, Eastern presents the "Vagina Monologues," spoken word performances dealing with reclaiming female sexuality performed by Eastern students, faculty and staff as well as area residents, at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Theater.

            On March 17, there will be a viewing of the film "Women's Power," with a discussion to follow. The film looks at female spheres of influence in politics, economics, religion, medicine and arts.

            On March 18, recipients of the First Annual Ella T. Grasso Distinguished Service Award will be acknowledged for their efforts towards advancing the rights of women and ending gender inequality at 6 p.m. in the Paul E. Johnson Sr. Community Conference Room in the J. Eugene Smith Library.

            On March 19, "Women's Power Circle," a two-hour workshop that targets survivors of trauma, loss, violence and abuse and addresses feelings of despair in order to reclaim life and identity, will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Women's Center, located on the first floor of the Student Center.

            On March 31, "Third-Wave Feminists: Charting Our Course," a panel discussion that will address the challenges of "Third Wave Feminists," will take place at 3:30 p.m. in the Student Center Theater. The panel will also discuss the core issues confronted by today's young and emerging feminists as compared to previous generations of women.