International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, is a global celebration of women and their achievements. This day is also a call for women’s rights and gender equality. UHart joins the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day. As we celebrate, let us also reaffirm our continuing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of their identity, feel they belong in our community.
What does International Women’s Day mean to our community?
“I raise up my voice – not so I can shout, but so those without a voice can be heard… we cannot succeed when half of us are held back.’ Mala Yousafzi. I am conscious of the ways in which I succeed because women before me have stood up, because women around me support me, because I have privileges that those around me don’t always have, and because alone I can do very little but I can speak as part of many and have a tremendous effect.”
- Dr. Fran Altvater, Associate Dean of Student Academic Services, Hillyer College
“Audre Lorde wrote, ‘I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.’ International Women’s Day is a reminder of the ways that women support each other day to day, celebrating our accomplishments and uplifting each other when we face challenges. This day is an acknowledgement of the community we work day to day to maintain; it signals us to acknowledge and appreciate achievements while continuing to actively work through obstacles.”
-Dr. Josie Brown, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences and Hillyer College
“International Women’s Day reminds me of how far we have come as a group and how much farther we still have to go. It reminds me to reflect on and be grateful for all the female-leaders, role models, and mentors that I have had in my personal and professional life. Their actions, carried out with poise and grace, inspire me to be the best version of myself and to pay it forward by serving as a role model and mentor to young women as they develop and lean into their own identity.”
-Dr. Aarti Ivanic, Dean, Barney School of Business
“International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women across the globe and honor their strength and resilience. It is also a reminder to reflect on the progress still to be made and consider how I can contribute to a more equitable world – one where every woman has the opportunity to reach her full potential.”
-Dr. Kelly McGeever, Associate Dean of Student Academic Services, College of Arts and Sciences
“For me, International Women's Day is a celebration of resilience and solidarity across the world. We stand together!”
-Dr. Olga Sharp, Graduate Program Director
Women’s History Month Program:
Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations
March 10, from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m., in Shaw Center
Moderated by Alicia Queally, Director of Athletics and Recreation, featuring:
Dawn Ennis, Award-Winning Journalist
Sivan Hines, President, Hartford Promise
Cynthia Puerta ‘24, The Unspoken Side of Healing
Programs in the Area:
- Celebrate Women’s History Month: A Spotlight on women and their impact in the community
- Join us as we celebrate Women's History Month. Meet the women of Hartford working in roles that impact our community. Learn about their work, passions, and the services they provide.
- Monday, March 31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Camp Field Library, Hartford Public Library
We encourage everyone to further explore the resources shared below to engage with International Women’s Day.
Resources:
International Women’s Day 2025
United Nations International Women’s Day March 8
Books:
Penguin Random House’s Recommended Reads for International Women’s Day
Videos:
“Ready or Not, Here… They’re Always Been”
Questions, comments, or suggestions? Contact Christine Grant, Assistant Vice President, Inclusive Excellence and Belonging (cgrant@hartford.edu; 860.768.4220) or Jordan Brown, Inclusive Excellence and Belonging Coordinator (jorbrown@hartford.edu; 860.768.4932)