International Women’s Day Assembly

On International Women’s Day, the MSDA community experienced our mission in action as students embodied becoming globally aware leaders by crafting and leading an assembly celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. Our student leaders shared insights on notable women who have made great impacts in virtually every aspect of life: the arts, sciences, business, sports, politics, human rights activism, law, politics, and service, reflecting on the lives of incredible historical figures Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mother Teresa, and Rosalind Franklin along with celebrating current world changers like Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, Taylor Swift, and Simone Biles. The intersectionality between women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights. In the spirit of our Dominican tradition, the students reminded us that LGBTQ+ women are 4 times more likely than a non-LGBTQ+ person to experience oppressive violence and that violence, in any form, stands in opposition to our Dominican values. The assembly ended on a high note exploring Title IX which protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Women’s participation in sports has grown exponentially since Title IX went into effect in 1972. The Mount’s own Charlotte Beetar ’23 is breaking down barriers in sports, playing the traditionally male-dominated sport of rugby, with she and her team actively dispelling false sports dichotomies. After the assembly concluded, breakout sessions led by members of the Diversity Club and Student Council, allowed for a time of reflection on international activists who are working to make the world more equitable for women across the globe. While every day is Women’s Day here at the Mount, today was especially memorable, as we learned about powerful women of the past, reflected on our current reality, and made strides to make a more equitable future for all.