Clarion University women and gender studies program and the Office of International
Programs invite the community to their first International Women’s Day celebration,
starting at 11 a.m. March 8 in Becht Hall.
The celebration will feature a lunch reception at 11 a.m., offering guests an opportunity to sample a number of international foods while discussing the United Nations' 2017 theme, "Women and the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030."
Clarion's diverse student body, faculty and staff inspired organizers of the celebration.
"I thought it'd be great to honor our multicultural community by having women and gender studies work with the Office of International Programs," said Dr. Kathleen McIntyre, director of women and gender studies. "As a historian of Latin America, I teach classes on Latin American women. I'm always amazed by the important role women have played in political protest. I'm also impressed with the participation of Latin American women as presidents; they've had nine while the U.S has had none."
A 7:30 p.m. screening of "The Second Mother" will be held in the University Theater, located in Suites on Main North. The film highlights the tension between a mother, who works as a maid for a wealthy family, and her daughter, who is trying to break down class barriers and challenge her mother to recognize that she is equal to the wealthy family for whom she works. A discussion will follow the film.
"I hope that guests enjoy watching a funny film that also has a meaningful discussion about class and mother-daughter relations in modern Brazil," McIntyre said.
"International Women's Day is a time to reflect on the progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities," according to the International Women's Day Website.
Both the lunch reception and the film are free and open to the public. No tickets are required.