UNL events to celebrate Women's History Month in March

March is Women's History Month, and it is also when the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Women's Center coordinates the annual UNL Women's Week celebration. This year, the Women's Week celebration is spread out over several days in conjunction with Women's History Month, filling March with a series of events that celebrate women, women's issues and women's contributions to society. The schedule of events follows. All are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

March 1-31: "Creating Communities Creating Change" art show, Loft Gallery, Nebraska East Union. Opening reception March 4, 5-7 p.m. For more information, telephone Tara Adams, (402) 472-9635.

March 1: "Shakespeare's Sister," readings of the works of women authors, Bailey Library, 229 Andrews Hall, 12th and T streets (extended), 9 a.m.-3 p.m. People interested in reading can telephone or visit the Women's Studies office, 472-9392, 1207 Oldfather Hall, to schedule a time.

March 2: "An Afghan Woman's Story," lecture by Farooka Gauhari, who will share her experience as an Afghan woman searching for her missing husband, witnessing the deterioration of her home country and struggling with the decreasing presence of women in Afghan politics. A reception and book signing follow. Centennial Room, Nebraska Union, 1400 R St., 7:30 p.m. Free with UNL ID. General admission is $3. For more information, contact Camilo Ramirez at 472-8146 or by e-mail.

March 3: "Changing the World One Story at a Time," lecture by Dorothy Allison, award-winning author of several books, including "Bastard out of Carolina" and "Two or Three Things I Know for Sure," Nebraska Union, 7:30 p.m. (room posted). For information, contact Barbara DiBernard at 472-1828 or by e-mail.

March 4-6: "The Vagina Monologues," The Loft at the Mill, 800 P St., March 4 at 10 p.m., March 5 at 7:30 p.m., March 6 at 2 p.m. General admission is $15; students and seniors are $10. Reservations can be made by phone at 467-2278. A limited number of tickets will also be available at the door. For more information, contact Pat Tetreault at 472-7477 or by e-mail.

March 7-11: "Women in Science" exhibit featuring biographical information and displays about women who have contributed significantly to scientific fields and endeavors. Some of the women featured include Jewel Plummer Cobb, Dian Fossey, Lillian Moller Gilbreth, Shirley A. Jackson and Ellen Swallow Richards. Nebraska Union Alcove, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact Julia Keown at 472-2597 or by e-mail.

March 8: "Immigrant and Refugee Women," panel discussion led by F.I.R.S.T. (For Immigrants and Refugees Surviving Torture) Project staff members Maria Prendes-Lintel, Marie Chantal Kalisa and Oksana Yakushko focusing on the unique issues facing immigrant and refugee women who are survivors of government-sanctioned torture. Nebraska Union, 7 p.m. (room posted). For more information, contact Tabethah Mack at 472-9428 or by e-mail.

March 9: Knitting Recyclables Workshop, providing instruction on how to knit using recycled materials. Knitters of all experience levels are welcome. Nebraska Union, 7 p.m. (room posted). Donations of plastic bags (for knitting) will be accepted prior to the event at the Women's Center, 340 Nebraska Union, 472-2597. For more information, call Jocelyn Lippincott Reiss at 472-2597 or Tara Adams at 472-9635.

March 10: Chancellor's Commission on the Status of Women awards ceremony and reception honoring individuals who have made outstanding efforts to create a climate that encourages women to succeed at UNL. Nebraska Union, 9:30 a.m. (room posted). Music for the ceremony will be provided by the University Chorale. For more information, contact Jan Deeds at 472-2598 or by e-mail.

March 10: "World War II through a WASP's Eyes," lecture by Lois Durham, veteran of the World War II Women's Air Force Service Pilots, who will share her experiences as a pilot and a woman breaking new ground in service to her country. Nebraska Union, 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.unl.edu/silverwings.

March 22-24: "The Truth about Sweatshops," an exhibit describing the sweatshops that affect millions of people around the world. More than 1 million sweatshop employees are children, and 90 percent of all employees are women. Nebraska Union Alcove, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, contact Jessica Lauer at 436-0374.

March 25: "U.S. Foreign Policy and Human Rights," E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues lecture by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Samantha Power. Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th St.

CONTACTS: Jan Deeds, Director, Women's Center, (402) 472-2598 (jdeeds1@unl.edu); and
Julia Keown, Programming Assistant, Women's Center, (402) 472-2597