HSU Hosts Women’s History Month Event

March is Women’s History Month, and for the past six years, Hardin-Simmons University has hosted numerous events organized by students, faculty, and staff to celebrate women and their achievements. On March 28, a panel conversation about this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “embracing equity,” took place in the Johnson Building and was accompanied by catering from Aramark, a feminine hygiene drive, and door prizes.  

Dr. Tiffany Fink, Professor of History, Dr. Laura Pouge’87/’91, Professor of English, and a collection of students organized the event.  

Dr. Tiffany Fink spoke at a previous year’s Women’s History Month event.

“Women’s history is really important, and it doesn’t get talked about enough,” said freshman history education student Julie Valk. “It’s important to realize a woman is the start of all life. Of course, it takes a man and a woman to create life, but a woman is there through the pregnancy and helps start life.” 

The panelists at the event were asked questions by Dr. Laura Pouge. The topics ranged from discrimination against women to the lack of women’s voices in the world, from what the panelists wish they could tell their younger selves and encouragement to other women.  

“I thought [the event] was amazing,” said senior psychology student Tristen Swinney. “It was a great change of pace, and it was refreshing to hear the personal experiences of women on campus.” 

In addition to the panel interview, guests were also invited to participate in a feminine hygiene drive, collecting goods for local nonprofits, including Love and Care Ministries, New Beginnings, and Noah Project. 

Dr. Fink describes how the hygiene drive started, saying, “In 2018, a student wanted to do something to fight period poverty, so we have been doing it ever since. Part of the advocacy is to give back, and we decided collecting items would be our way of giving back.” 

On the tables, centerpieces were displayed with pictures of influential women figures and a bit of history about them. 

“Women are still oppressed and struggling across the world,” Dr. Fink said. “Women are still oppressed in America!” she added. 

For Dr. Fink, Harriet Tubman Davis has been an encouraging woman in history to look up to. 

“We are always being watched by younger generations,” Dr. Fink said. “If we lift up others instead of tearing them down, the younger generation sees that.”