A Wednesday for Women

Interesting things can happen when women get together to chat over lunch.

About three years ago, Maria Ortega, an international relations graduate student from Bogata, Columbia, brought up the topic of International Women's Day while dining with some ladies from the Women's Center. Ortega explained that March 8 was International Women's Day and in her hometown women were given flowers on the streets and at night the women would go out and the men would stay home. This sparked interest for celebrating this international holiday at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

This year's celebration will begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday in CSU 284. A panel will take place featuring women from all over the world speaking about influential women in their lives. Namrata Kamath, winner of IMPACT's MSU Idol singing contest, will showcase her talent by performing sometime during the panel session. A dance presentation featuring three international MSU students from Mexico, Egypt and India will follow the panel. After the presentation, the Intercultural Center will hold a free lunch across the hall from CSU 284. All students are invited to come and eat and experience coffees from around the world.

The event, sponsored by the International Student's Office and the Women's Center, entertained and enlightened about 150-200 participants last year, said Lorrie Bortuzzo graduate assistant in the International Student Office.

International Women's Day started in the United States in 1909 and quickly spread throughout the world. Recognized by countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United Nations, women's day is a day for all people to celebrate the struggles and triumphs of the female population.

“It's free and it's not just for women. It is for everyone to come and celebrate…a special day for promoting women's rights” said Bortuzzo, an international student from Canada.