March is Women's History Month, and the Women's and Gender Studies program at Coastal Carolina University is celebrating with a special website that spotlights achievements and contributions to society made by women of CCU. Along with the curated website, several events are planned throughout the month that are free and open to the public.

"Women's History Month highlights women's contributions to communities and societies globally. Because we live in a patriarchal world, these achievements often go overlooked, which Women's History Month tries to rectify," said Ina Seethaler, assistant professor at CCU and director of the Women's and Gender Studies program.

The website featuring women at CCU was a new idea the Women's and Gender Studies (WGS) program launched last year. This year, the CCU's Women's History Month website and events will focus mainly on women's roles in the media and how representations of women shape society's worldview.

"We hope to put a spotlight on the contributions that women make to CCU and communities beyond our campus," said Seethaler.

A new addition to Women's History Month at CCU this year is Kimbel Library's social media campaign, which features students' favorite books with strong female characters and books written by women. WGS minors will be collaborating with Kimbel Library to prepare this campaign.

Students who would like to be featured on Kimbel Library's social media can email a picture of themselves with their book of choice to Christine Anderson at cdavant@coastal.edu or Lindsey Roberts at lnroberts@coastal.edu. Or, students can stop by the library and have their photo taken by a staff member. Students are required to a sign a media release form including their name, major, graduation year, title and author of the book they selected, and a bit about why they chose the book. Kimbel Library will take submissions through March 5.

"Our hope was to highlight books that encourage and influence our students and give our Chants a voice in the more global conversation of women in leadership and history," said Christine Anderson, marketing and administrative assistant for the Kimbel Library.

Also, throughout the month of March, a display of research by CCU faculty on women and gender topics will be showcased in the Kimbel Library. Flags and signs about women at CCU and in the world will be on display on Prince Lawn.

Below is an overview of events scheduled throughout the month of March. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Visit coastal.edu/wgst/ccuwomen or coastal.edu/wgst for additional details. Contact Seethaler at 843-349-6919 or iseethale@coastal.edu for any questions.

March 4, 4:30 p.m. | Women's History Month Keynote Address features a conversation with TV producer Stephanie Taylor about women's roles on the screen. Special appearances by some of Taylor's acting colleagues are planned. A small reception will follow. Alford Ballroom, Atheneum Hall, Room 105.

March 8, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | International Women's Day Celebration on Prince Lawn. The rain location for the International Women's Day Celebration will be the Lib Jackson Student Union Rotunda.

March 19, 4:30 p.m. | Opening reception for the "What Were You Wearing?" exhibit highlighting violence against women. The exhibit will be open from March 19 at 4:30 p.m. through the end of the day on March 22. Lib Jackson Student Union Rotunda.

March 20, 6-8:30 p.m. | WAGES is an experiential learning activity that educates individuals about the sources and effects of unconscious gender bias, sponsored by the Social Justice Research Initiative. Academic Office Classroom Building II, Room 310.

March 21, 4:30 p.m. | A Women in Media panel discussion with students, faculty, and local news personnel highlights women's role in the media, followed by a reception. Alford Ballroom, Atheneum Hall, Room 105.

March 22 and 23, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. | "The Hate U Give" screening in the Coastal Theater, Lib Jackson Student Union, Room A-110. The film follows a high school girl navigating life after witnessing her best friend get shot by a police officer. Visit coastal.edu/campuslife/ljsu/movies or call 843-349-2579 for the full movie schedule.

March 26, 7:30 p.m. | The Department of Music presents a Celebration of Women in Music concert. Edwards Recital Hall, Room 152; tickets are required, $7 general admission.

March 27, 5-7 p.m. | Start Smart Salary Negotiation Workshop is an opportunity to learn about the wage gap and get practical advice about how to negotiate your salary. Lib Jackson Student Union, Room A-213.

For building and parking information, visit coastal.edu/safety/parking. For ticket information, visit coastal.edu/culturalarts.

Additional resources:

Twitter: @WGSCCU

Instagram: @WGSCCU

Facebook: facebook.com/WGSCCU

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