Editorial: USD Failing to Recognize Women’s History

The celebration of Women’s History in March goes back decades. The month is meant as a way for our history to inspire current and future generations and celebrates women of the past who have laid the foundation for us to succeed and be recognized in society. It is a period of time for advocacy.

In March of 2022, the Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies department held the “Care Conference” that focused on the gendered issue of care in our society, specifically the more dominant role that women play as caretakers. This was a great way to show past and current scholarship about women’s history and future possibilities. Obviously, it could be difficult to plan a similar conference every year for Women’s History Month but there could have been more done this year.

There are lots of ways USD could have celebrated and supported women on campus. One way could have been hosting a film screening that featured a female lead. Or there could have been a presentation about women from South Dakota. There could have been discussions about leadership, gender-based language, intersectionality or advocacy. Another possibility could be a workshop about salary negotiation. There could have been a workshop about salary negotiation with an emphasis on gender discrimination in the workforce. 

There was a Trivia Night that focused on women’s history on March 6 as an effort to kick off the month, but there could have been more. A lot of clubs and organizations across campus made remarks over social media in support of International Women’s Day on March 8.

Women’s History Month is a time to recognize and acknowledge women’s role in society. While women have made advancements socially, economically and politically since the United States’ founding gender discrimination and sexism still create barriers for people. College campuses across the country should make an effort to support their students and employees, as well as help teach and progress gender equity. 

College campuses across the country should make an effort to support their students and employees, as well as help teach and progress gender equity. This process can easily begin during months centered around awareness like Women’s History Month. By supplying a campus community with events and workshops to celebrate and acknowledge a history filled with gender bias, colleges can be the forefront of change.