March marks the celebration of Women's History Month, and this year the University of New Mexico's Women's Resource Center (WRC) is teaming up with the LGBTQ Resource Center and other groups on campus to host a variety of virtual events lined up throughout the month.
The pandemic disrupted Women's History Month plans on campus last year, and the school will now feature virtual events in place of the usual fare, according to WRC professional intern Reina Davis. Lectures and in-person panels were included in previous years, but this year will focus on social media and online events.
First up is Women's History Month trivia on March 4, with categories including women in STEM, activism and cultural topics.
"You'll be able to win prizes just with knowledge of women in history, music, media and more," Davis said.
On March 5, the LGBTQ Resource Center will host a virtual dance party featuring DJ Anjo King.
March 10 marks National Women and Girls HIV Awareness Day, and the WRC's social media pages will put out informative infographics with the help of UNM Truman Health Services.
The WRC and the Feminist Research Institute will join the LGBTQ center as they host "Cafe Q: Queering Feminism" on March 24, a panel about the history and evolution of queer justice and feminism.
Davis said people need to seek to empower during Women's History Month, "not just looking at famous women but also looking at women and femmes in our own families and our own lives and where you've kind of drawn your own inspiration from."
The UNM Health Sciences Center will host "Raíces de Partería: Roots of Midwifery in New Mexico" on March 25, where certified nurse-midwives Felina Ortiz and Martina Granado will discuss the practice of midwifery in New Mexico.
"Women have historically done so much and will continue to do so much for the community," Davis said.
Finally, the month will end with "Food and Generational Knowledge" on March 31. Lobos can join Rosa Isela Cervantes, director of El Centro de la Raza, Pamela Agoyo, director of American Indian Student Services and Brandi Stone, director of African American Student Services, for a conversation about "food and generational healing," Davis said.
In general, Davis said all of the programming, whether during Women's History Month or not, is meant to be inclusive and create a safe space for students.
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"I think I want students, in regard to the Women's Resource Center and our services, to just know that we're here to support them," Davis said. "Everybody, regardless of any identity they hold, regardless of gender, we help (them)."
Megan Gleason is the culture editor at the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @fabflutist2716
