The University of Idaho Women’s Center, while providing services to all students year round, will spend March focusing on what originally gave the center its name: women.
While spring break does interrupt the festivities, the Women’s Center will host a tea party Thursday afternoon before the week-long hiatus, celebrating International Women’s Day.
The holiday celebrates “the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women,” according to the official International Women’s Day website.
In the past, the Women’s Center has celebrated International Women’s Day with a tabling fair and cultural performances. Assorted local and school-associated organizations shared challenges women face and contributions women make to their cultures. Afterward, the Women’s Center coordinated with Daytime Distractions to provide performances in the food court.
Jackie Sedano | Courtesy
“We thought we’d do something different this year,” said Jackie Sedano, Women’s Center program coordinator. “We’re collaborating with the Global Student Success Program to bring this event. It’s essentially this international tea party.”
This year, the Women’s Center decided to break away from the traditional celebration with a tea party 12:30 p.m Thursday. The potluck-style event will provide UI students, staff and faculty with an opportunity to try new food, meet new people, sip some tea and learn about women’s history.
Sedano said everyone is welcome to attend, not just women.
“We would love to be able to experience other cultures through some food culture,” said Cailin Bary, Global Student Success Program student experience specialist. “That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to bring something to share.”
Sedano and Bary said International Women’s Day was a natural way to bring the two offices together. Since the holiday celebrates women from around the world, it seemed like the perfect way to pull resources from both offices.
“The Women’s Center is focused on supporting communities of women, and here in the Global Student Success Program, we support international students through their first year on campus,” Bary said. “By our offices collaborating, we’re able to bring together these two communities.”
While International Women’s Day is Friday, the tea party will be held a day earlier. Sedano said this allows people who may be leaving early for spring break or are busy on Fridays to celebrate the holiday.
The idea is to encourage people from across campus to share their culture through food. Although attendees are encouraged to bring food to the event, Sedano said it is not required.
“I’m most excited about this event because it’s an opportunity for people to share a piece of their culture by bringing any kind of baked treat, maybe something savory, or any kind of hot drink,” Sedano said.
Those interested in providing food for the event should email Jackie Sedano at [email protected].