OUDI statement on Womxn's History Month 2023

University Diversity and Inclusion 

“I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard… We cannot all succeed when half of us [any of us] are held back.” – Malala Yousafzai

The second week of March, in 1978, a week-long series of Women’s history events were presented by The Education Task Force in Santa Rosa, California. That week of March was selected to encompass and recognize International Women’s Day, established in 1911 and celebrated on March 8th. By the 1980s, Women’s History Week events had spread across the country and by the end of that decade, what once was a week, became Women’s History Month.

This year, the national theme for Women’s History Month is, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” Storytelling and oral traditions are central to so many of our cultures and social traditions, from the folktales of Native American elders, to West African Griots, to contemporary artists. Stories connect us to each other, and the power of story enables us to heal, remember, teach, and reflect.

In recognition of this year’s Women’s History Month theme, let’s seek out and share the stories of the women who have changed the world and the ones who have changed our lives, and then let their courage and strength help us find and use our voice to tell and live our story.

Join Student Diversity and Belonging’s State of Womxn event on Thursday, March 2 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in Chumash Auditorium to hear about experiences, issues and hopes for the future on womxnhood and femininity here on Cal Poly’s campus, and look for the myriad of events planned in celebration of this month.

“Write with your eyes like painters, with your ears like musicians, with your feet like dancers. You are the truthsayer with quill and torch…" - Gloria E. Anzaldúa

Dr. Denise Isom
Interim Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion / CDO