March marks Women's History Month
Campus Times
March 7, 1997
Throughout the month of March, University of La Verne sororities Phi
Sigma Sigma, Sigma Kappa and Iota Delta will work together to present National
Women's History Month to the ULV community.
The month is dedicated to women as a means of helping others understand
the role and contributions of the female gender in today's society.
"This month will give us the opportunity to celebrate women everyday,"
said Wendy Lau, philanthropy chair of Phi Sigma Sigma. "We need to
learn to appreciate them as people, and the preparations for this month
seem like a good start."
Activities during the month will include guest speakers, video presentations,
distribution of informative pamphlets, personal awareness quizzes and women's
issues.
Senior Tammy Abedo, coordinator for Women's History Month, suggested
the participation of all three sororities for one important reason.
"I chose to ask all the sororities to get involved because we are
all women dealing with the same issues. This is also a good chance for people,
as well as the community, to see the positive parts of a sorority,"
Abedo said. "Many people do not see sororities as a group of people
who do positive things. People don't recognize us for the contributions
we make in the community."
The first of the three-week series for National Women's History Month,
sponsored by Phi Sigma Sigma, began Monday and will conclude today with
guest speaker Maria Ayala, an employee for the YWCA WINGS (Women In Need
Growing Strong) Battered Women's Shelter.
The topic of her speech, "How Do I Know I'm in a Healthy Relationship?"
will focus on women who are victims of abusive relationships. The speech
will take place from 12 to 1 p.m. in the President's Dining Room.
Phi Sigma Sigma proved just that, as statistics showed that one out
of every two women in America has been battered. Throughout the campus,
additional information and facts in consideration of this issue are also
displayed.
In continuation of this three-part series, Sigma Kappa will present
"Get Real," a discussion of women's health and wellness, next
Thursday at 5 p.m. in La Fetra Hall.
Among the activities planned for health awareness week, the distribution
of pamphlets concerning health issues and sample quizzes testing personal
health awareness are included.
Women's health issues dealing with depression, rape, eating disorders,
breast cancer and drug and alcohol abuse will also be discussed throughout
the week.
In addition to the presentation of videos and speakers, members of Sigma
Kappa will set up a booth to give out safety pins and beads to ULV students.
"The beads given out will be used to represent the various issues
women deal with today. Hopefully, people will realize that these issues
can also affect them. They may not always happen to other people,"
said Dyane Galindo, corresponding secretary for Sigma Kappa.
For the women of Sigma Kappa, these issues are not only informative
for themselves and others, they are realistic.
In 1993, Kelly Salamone, a member of Sigma Kappa, was killed by a drunk
driver.
"During National Women's History Month, the sorority will be holding
a special ceremony in remembrance of Kelly. We hope her life can help people
understand the truth about alcohol abuse, and be aware that this issue hits
close to home," Galindo said.
Concluding the three-week series is Iota Delta, whose primary focus
will be on topics concerning issues of gender in today's society.
With the presentation of "Man, Oh Man" and "Dear Lisa:
A Letter to My Sister,"students will have the chance to discuss controversies
of gender which were present in the past and are still present today.
"Women today are scared to be feminine," said Shannon McCrea,
member of Iota Delta. "Feminism is about expecting equal treatment.
As women, we should not let people take it away from us. These films can
help women recognize their role in society, and not be afraid to want equality."
The sorority has also invited a panel of speakers to join students in
a discussion session following the film. Although a specific date has not
yet been set for this event, it will take place early in the week of March
17.
The celebration will end March 21 and all students, male or female,
are invited to attend and participate in all activities.