Women’s celebration comes to a close

By NICOLE DONNER

Through women’s literature, clothing, and certain bodily parts, he Women’s Herstory Celebration came to a close Wednesday, International Women’s Day.

Twelve events, from comedian Debbie Wooten’s visit to the presentation of the controversial performances of “The Vagina Monologues,” had something different but were all educational to share about women.

Victoria Flagg, committee chair of the event, was pleased with the numbers for this year’s events, citing 125 people in attendance for the Debbie Wooten performance Feb 8.

Though beginning the celebrations with a late start, Flagg took advice inplanning next year’s events, including more historical insight on women’s history.

“One suggestion we had for next year is to focus more on historical events and have them connected in some way,” said Flagg. “Perhaps we lacked a little in that area this year but we were happy just to have the program this year.”

One event to help close the Women’s Herstory events was the presentation of the film “Mighty Times: The Legacy of Rosa Parks,” which was organized by Stephanie Cram, psychology instructor and member of the Women’s Herstory Celebration Committee.

The film, shown Tuesday, details the life of Rosa Park and her role in the civil rights movement. “Shortly after the time of her death (Oct. 25, 2005) it came to my attention that many people, most people actually, knew very little about her and what she truly accomplished,” said Cram.

“Most people knew her as the woman who refused to give up her seat on the bus, but few knew about the details surrounding this event or what lead up to it, or what it inspired.”

In showing this film has been shown, Cram said she was following this year’s theme of “Women who are builders of communities and dreams.” She also said Parks destroys the myth that one person can’t change the world. Cram also refered to Karen Horney, the mother of feminine psychology, Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman to run for vice president, Margaret Sanger, activist for reproductive rights, and one more famous performer.

“I’d include Madonna, too,” said Cram. “She certainly challenged gender role stereotypes.”

The events led up to a celebration for International Women’s Day in the Town and Gown Room. The United Nations proclaimed March 8 as IWD to recognize the work and achievement by women all around the world in equality, justice, peace, and development. In some countries, the day is considered a holiday.

The recognition for IWD not only took place on the MHCC campus but in Portland as well. Radio station KBOO interviewed controversial comedian Margaret Cho and included other topics to support and celebrate women everywhere.

Other companies, such as Loaves & Fishes Centers, Meals-On-Wheels, and Neighborhood House Senior Center, helped with the celebration with lunch and live entertainment on Wednesday.

Plans have yet to begin for next year’s celebration but Flagg is encouraging people to get involved with-the- committee and help plan the events. She also mentioned she would love to train someone to be co-chair and eventually be her successor.

“I hope to chair this for several years but there’s a lot of behind the scenes work and I don’t want to burn out,” said Flagg. “I’d like to be a committee member for a long time.”