Demitri Matenopoulos

With the month of March being Women’s History Month, Shenandoah is holding a range of virtual events for students, faculty and staff to attend and celebrate all the women who have helped shape this world and society.

To kick off the month, there will be a Google form requesting nominations for “SUPER women of SU” in which female-identifying faculty, staff and students can be nominated to show appreciation for those who make a difference in your life and on campus. Each nominee will receive a special email that includes a personalized graphic and everything everybody has said about them. Nominations are due by March 10.

“We had about 60 nominations last year, and we’re already up to 90 this year so that makes me really happy,” said Sarah Celec, head of the [Not Just] Women’s Center. 

On March 10, from noon-1 p.m., the Sexual Assault Survivor Lunch: It’s Hard To Say provides a confidential and non-judgemental environment that promotes healing, while providing attendants an opportunity to connect with other student survivors and allies. In-person attendance is limited. Lunch will be provided. The on-campus location and Zoom link option will be shared with registered participants.

“We want people to feel comfortable talking about this tough topic,” said Celec. “That’s why we make the environment surrounding these people laidback and chill.”

On March 11, from 7:30-8:30 p.m., there will be an event that is part of the Consent is Everything Series called Community Dinner and Dialogue.This four-part series will focus on different subjects surrounding sex, sexuality, healthy relationships, sexual assault prevention and more. In the second session of this series, participants will discuss the documentary “Audrie and Daisy”. This documentary explores the story of two teenage girls who pass out while intoxicated at high school parties and, while unconscious, both are sexually assaulted by boys they call friends. Sign up using the Consent Is Everything Series form by Tuesday, March 9 at noon. Dinner will be provided. The on-campus location and Zoom link option will be shared with registered participants.

“The goal of this event is to help people understand that sexual assault doesn’t only affect the victim, but their family and friends as well,” said Celec.

On  March 15, at 7 p.m. in the Brandt Student Center, Room 123 there will be an “I Am Evidence” movie screening. Narrated by actress Mariska Hargitay, the movie tells the story of four survivors whose rape kits went untouched for years and how they navigated their way through the criminal justice system. The film reveals the historic nature of the way we treat the crime of sexual assault in the U.S., and the good things that happen when perpetrators are brought to justice and survivors are given an opportunity for healing and justice. 

“The point of this event is to highlight how little is being done by law enforcement to punish perpetrators of sexual assault crimes,” said Celec.

From March 22-24 there will be the [Not Just] Women’s Center Meme Contest about consent. 

“We want people to learn that concent is about so much more than just sex,” said Celec. “It’s about life in general and it’s about understanding how to make the right choices.”

For more information about events, please visit www.su.edu/womenshistorymonth.