Dear Colleagues,
March is National Women’s History Month when we honor the multiple contributions of women in history, culture and society. This annual celebration has its roots locally in Sonoma, where a school event in the late 1970’s spurred other organizations across the country to raise awareness and start sharing their stories. Today, it is a month-long event, celebrated globally, and anchored by International Women’s Day on March 8.
With our first female Chancellor in 150 years leading our University and inspiring positive change, we have added reason to celebrate at Berkeley this year. Here on campus, our Cal Women’s Network exists to promote a culture of respect, empowerment, and growth that supports professional development and leadership opportunities for women. Our GenEq Women’s Resource Center, serving the UC Berkeley community for over 45 years, is committed to fostering an inclusive, safe experience for everyone at Cal. The Center advocates for gender equity, seeks to strengthen the women’s LGBTQ+ community, and provides training and prevention of sexual and intimate partner violence and crimes. Please take the time this month to check out these campus resources as wel l as events ranging from the Celebration of Women in Technology - UC Berkeley WiCSE (Women in Computer Science and Engineering) 40th Anniversary Event, to Invisible no More: A Symposium on Resisting Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color, to the 22nd annual Berkeley Haas Women In Leadership Conference titled “Evolve: Develop, Progress, Advance.”
Fittingly, the National Women’s History Month theme for 2018 is, “Nevertheless She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight all Forms of Discrimination Against Women.” As we celebrate and honor women’s achievements this month, let’s commit to practices that lead to a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all, every day of the year.
Warmest wishes,
Oscar, Lisa and Jo
Oscar Dubón, Vice Chancellor, Equity & Inclusion
Lisa Alvarez-Cohen, Fred and Claire Sauer Professor, Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Jo Mackness, Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor, Human Resources