NEW ORLEANS — Loyola University New Orleans will host an International Women’s Day event from 4 to 6 p.m. on March 8 in the St. Charles Room of the Danna Student Center. The day is a celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
“I consider Loyola’s event and those held around the world as vital ways of raising awareness about the persistent struggle for women’s rights around the globe,” said Dr. Patricia Boyett, director of Loyola’s Women’s Resource Center and assistant professor of gender history and human rights.
“Although women have made so much progress in our efforts to achieve equity, and it is important to celebrate these achievements, we still confront inequitable pay, glass ceilings, gender violence, injustice, and biases in nearly every aspect of our lives. Women with additional marginalized identities face even greater injustices. It is my hope that in raising awareness about the persistence of these inequities, we might inspire action to combat gender oppression and all forms of prejudice.”
The celebration is designed to celebrate and connect women in the community, as well as to highlight the work that Loyola is doing to elevate women. This year, Loyola welcomes the fifth cohort of its Women’s Leadership Academy, and launches additional initiatives aimed at a younger demographic: the Women Resource Center’s Collegiate Leadership Academy at Loyola, and the Young Women’s Leadership Academy for young women in the greater New Orleans area who might not have attended college.
“It is an honor to be spearheading this event,” said Amy Landry, who leads the Loyola Women’s Leadership Academy. “To be able to celebrate the momentum that Loyola has seen because of its efforts in championing women is inspirational. Women needed a space to connect in order to continue pushing the boundaries and changing the script for the next generation of leaders. My desire is for my daughter, for all of our daughters, not to face the discrimination that I faced in the workplace because of my gender. The Women’s Leadership Academy has seen such success because we have been intentional in creating a diverse and inclusive space to break down barriers for all women.”
