The Office of Campus Life will kick off a month-long celebration of Women’s History Month, themed “Women of Character, Courage and Commitment.” Every week in March, Campus Life, along with Planned Parenthood, the Office of Alumni Relations, African Student Association, the Society of Women Engineers, Sisters on Campus, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Union Board, IIT International Center, IIT Humanities Department, the IIT Office of Spiritual Life and Service Learning and the Student Health and Wellness Center, will be featuring events around the theme of Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment. If you have any questions, or would like to have the calendar of events shared with you, contact Aschipma@iit.edu.

Visit the website for the full schedule of events.

HPV Awareness Week
March 3-7
Sponsor: Planned Parenthood and Student Health and Wellness Center
IIT’s first ever HPV Awareness week will take place from Monday, March 3 – Friday, March 7. During this week of action, students will be posting flyers around campus and hosting an information table in the MTCC. This week is an opportunity to raise awareness about how women can protect themselves from HPV and educate others.

Book Club
March 3 and 4, Kick Off, 10:30 am-2:30 pm, MTCC Bridge
March 13, Mid-month Check In/Discussion, 12:40 pm, MTCC Room 516
Sponsor: Office of Spiritual Life and Service Learning
On October 9, 2012, a young Pakistani girl named Malala Yousafzai – who loved nothing more than to go to school and learn – was shot in the face at close range by a Taliban assassin. She survived, and now at age 16 has become a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest nominee ever for the Nobel Peace Prize. This Women’s History Month, join us in reading her story. I am Malala is an extraordinary story of bravery, passion, and determination – told in Malala’s own words.

Speaker Tricia Downing
March 6, 7 pm, MTCC Auditorium
Sponsor: The Office of Campus Life & Women’s Services
Referred to as “empowering,” Tricia shares the gritty stories of her triumphant comeback from a car/bicycle collision which nearly ended her life, and shares lessons that all audiences can appreciate about facing the unknown that comes with change. She focuses on why we resist change and how to overcome those hurdles, how to feel more at ease with change and realize the benefits of embracing new ways of thinking, doing and acting.

International Women’s Day
March 7, 12:45 pm, MTCC Welcome Center
Sponsor: International Center
This panel discussion highlights the experience of our women students, both at home and at IIT. We will explore cultural backgrounds, faith, values, customs, and much more. Attendees are welcome to ask questions. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served.

Alumnae Panel
March 11, 12:45 pm, MTCC Auditorium
Sponsor: Office of Alumni Relations
Come interact with a variety of IIT alumnae at this lunchtime panel discussion. Hear their perspectives on women’s issues in the workplace and be inspired by their stories of career success. Bring your questions and gain valuable insights from these successful IIT graduates. Lunch is provided.

STI Prevention
March 12, noon, MTCC Bridge
Sponsor: Student Health and Wellness Center
The purpose of this event is to educate students about Sexually Transmitted Infections and how to prevent contracting them. In the past, women have felt disempowered to make decisions regarding their own sexuality. Distributed information is intended to empower all students to take charge of their sexual health.

Women in Computing Lecture
March 12, 12:45 pm, MTCC Welcome Center
Sponsor: Humanities Department
Join the IIT Humanities department for a free catered lunch and two presentations on how gender connects to our technological ideals, featuring Dr. Marie Hicks and Dr. Carly Kocurek.

African Student Organization Cultural Night
March 14, 6 pm, IIT Tower Auditorium
Sponsor: African Student Organization
This year, in light of Women’s History Month, ASO’s theme for cultural night will be women’s historical influence and current impact on Africa. ASO aims to highlight key African women leaders and their work at home and around the globe.

Tea Time & Ladies Night
March 24, Tea Time, 12:40 pm, MTCC Welcome Center; Ladies Night, 5 pm, MTCC Ballroom
Sponsors: Society of Women Engineers and Sisters on Campus
Join the women of the Society of Women Engineers and Sisters on Campus to learn more about the women of IIT and the differences they are making today, while drinking tea and enjoying light appetizers. Come back to the MTCC for Ladies Night, where you will get the chance to speak with these incredible women and learn more about their journey.

Body Image Workshop
March 26, 6 pm, Alpha Sigma Alpha House
Sponsor: Alpha Sigma Alpha
A short group activity will show how we perceive our bodies and, conversely, how our bodies are perceived by others. The purpose of this is to prove how we are often our own worst enemies when it comes to body image. The activity and the discussion that follows will be facilitated by an IIT Health and Wellness Center staff member.

Bog Trivia Night
March 27, 8 pm, The Bog
Sponsors: Office of Campus Life and Union Board
Win fabulous prizes playing trivia in teams of 2-5 people. Sign up at the Bog before 7 pm. Students, faculty, and staff of all genders are welcome.

Special Speaker, Rev. Brenda Girton-Mitchell
March 31, 6:30 pm, E1 Auditorium
Sponsor: Office of Spiritual Life and Service Learning
Join us for a very special evening with Kent alumna, Rev. Brenda Girton-Mitchell, Director of the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, U.S. Dept. of Education. Rev. Girton-Mitchell will speak on the intersection of women, faith, and education and how it relates to this month’s Book Club selection, I am Malala.