Dept. celebrates women's history

By: Andy Chu

Posted: 3/7/07

Every year the month of March is devoted to recognizing the historical achievements of women in history and the women's studies program, coordinated by San Jose State University Professor Shahin Gerami.

The program will hold a month long celebration commemorating this holiday.

This is Gerami's first year teaching at SJSU and she said took the task of organizing the events on campus for Women's History Month with open arms.

"It's my responsibility for every generation as a woman to promote and educate people about the contributions of women in the world's history," Gerami said. "Throughout history women and minorities have been excluded from writing the history and this month gives us an opportunity to recognize them."

Professor Gerami received her law degree from the University of Tehran in the country of Iran. Afterwards she earned her masters and Ph.D. in sociology at the University of Oklahoma.

Before coming to SJSU, Gerami taught the gender studies program at the University of Missouri.

Currently, the women's studies program offers a minor and several general education courses for sociology majors. Gerami encourages students in her department and as well as all other students on campus to help spread the message of Women's History Month.

"We need volunteers to reach out to the community," Gerami said. "If just a handful of students committed five hours a week to any community program like Big Brother Big Sister, they would learn the value of productivity through commitment."

Gerami has been planning the events for March since November but in the beginning she was worried that she would not be able to find enough support to promote her events, she said.

"At times I was panicking thinking that not enough groups could come forward to help contribute," Gerami said. "But now I have over 20 groups and organizations contributing to the events this month, everyone has been great."

A few female students on campus didn't even know March was Women's History Month.

Alyssa Garrison, a senior majoring in liberal studies, said, "I didn't even know it was March, but I think it's a great idea to have Women's History Month. We have come a long way and have overcome many obstacles to get where we are today."

Senior Chen Levinger a native of Israel majoring in humanities said, "I think it's a good idea but I am surprised other people didn't mention it," she said. "In Israel we celebrate Mother's Day and International Mother's Day but it's always good to see and hear different points of view."

Gerami is aware that a majority of people and not just students don't know that March is Women's History Month but she takes this as an opportunity rather than a problem.

"I am saddened but at the same time challenged," Gerami said. "It makes my job more important and I need to confront these issues. I see this as an opportunity rather than impairment."

On March 14, the Women's Studies program will host the Service Provider's Fair. This event will bring organizations concerned with girls, women and youth to SJSU to share information, recruit volunteers and network for future projects. It will take place from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.

Many more events will take place this month, including "V-Day," a production of Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues. This event will take place on March 15th and 16th, at 7 p.m. in the SJSU Morris Daily Auditorium.

"Women's History Month is not just about women who have contributed historically, it is to give a voice to young women and minorities who are here in the present and their stories are important," Gerami said.

"I encourage and send an open invitation to the students and professors of SJSU to help us promote this program, we welcome any support we can get."

For additional information please contact Professor Shahin Gerami the Women's Studies Coordinator at (408) 924-5754 or send emails to shgerami@email.sjsu.edu.