Women’s Herstory Month 2024
A Message from Lorenley Báez, Associate Provost for Equity & Belonging
Dear Students,
Today, we honor the beginning of Women’s Herstory Month. The origins of Women’s Herstory Month can be traced back to International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women, which took place for the first time on March 8, 1911. Many countries around the world commemorate the holiday with demonstrations, educational initiatives and customs such as presenting women with gifts and flowers.
The National Women’s History Alliance designates a yearly theme for Women’s History Month. The 2024 theme pays tribute to “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” This theme recognizes women who understand the need to eliminate bias and discrimination from individuals’ lives and institutions.
As we embark upon this celebration, I invite you to be curious, reflective, and introspective about the history, contributions, and legacy of women, in particular those who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion. I recommend we give consideration to the societal structures that have systematically oppressed individuals identifying as women, considering their historical impact. Specifically, we must address gender inequality, racial marginalization and minoritization, salary disparities, cultural and linguistic disenfranchisement, as well as binary structures that persistently hinder women’s physical and psychological well-being, impede their recognition as equal contributors, obstruct professional advancement, hamper holistic support, and perpetuate racial discrimination.
Furthermore, we continue to witness attacks not only against women but also against the legislation designed to safeguard their rights, as well as the essential support services and structures aimed at promoting their overall well-being, health, and safety. It is vital that we persist in our support, advocacy, and active participation in the democratic process to root out ignorance, bias, and hatred. I urge us to closely consider the words of Audre Lorde, a writer, feminist, and activist, who declared, “our future survival is predicated upon our ability to relate within equality.” Only by centering our humanity can we initiate internal healing and cultivate a global sense of belonging and community.
Moreover, I draw attention to the critical importance of transgender and nonbinary individuals and the escalating concerns within this community for their overall well-being, health, and safety. I juxtapose their experiences alongside, though distinct from, those of cisgender women, recognizing similarities in their struggles for civil rights. Both groups have been targets of discrimination throughout the twentieth century, yet our advocacy efforts often remain separate. I urge us to contemplate what it truly means to be in solidarity with one another, sharing a common struggle for freedom from persecution. I challenge us to strategically redirect our political endeavors towards a unified global platform, with the hope of expediting the desired change.
In our pursuit of inclusivity, we sometimes inadvertently cause harm by lacking depth and meaning in our actions. Language, therefore, holds significant importance as a means to prevent and diminish harm. Throughout this discourse, I have predominantly used the term “women,” but it’s essential to acknowledge the usage of “womxn” as well. The term “womxn” emerged in feminist intersectional spaces in the early 2010s. While it aims to embrace inclusivity and draw attention to a broad spectrum of issues affecting this group on a global scale, it’s crucial to recognize that identity is deeply personal. Critics have often argued that the use of the term “womxn” may inadvertently marginalize those who identify with the original spelling, “women.” I encourage us to engage in open dialogue with one another as we commemorate this month. There is no definitive answer. Each of us brings our unique experiences, and the aspiration is to cultivate spaces where we can come together in community to honor the legacy of those who paved the way for us.
To kick off the month, I would like to invite you to the First Annual Women’s Herstory Month Mixer on Monday, March 4, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the University Center at the Social Justice Hub, Room 514. This will be an opportunity to connect with each other and celebrate the community of women at The New School. Light refreshments and appetizers will be served.
I encourage you to visit the Women’s Herstory Month website for the full list of events, community resources, and student organizations on campus. If you have any questions, please reach out to me at baezl@newschool.edu. I look forward to celebrating this month with you!