USC’s Women’s History Month Events
Emily Quintanilla ‘24
Since its conception in March 1987, Women’s History Month has been a time to celebrate women—of all backgrounds and identities—and their contributions to society. WHM is also a time to empower younger generations of women—the trailblazers of the future.
At USC, events are held all month long in honor of WHM, giving students ample opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated. Here are just a few of the events taking place on-campus this March.
March 1: Late Night 'SC First Friday Movie Night feat. Selena
Kick off WHM with a screening of Selena. The 1997 film recalls the life and death of Selena Quintanilla, the first female Tejano singer to win a Grammy for Best Mexican-American Album. This event is co-hosted by Late Night ‘SC, Gender Equity Programs, and the Latine Student Assembly.
March 2: Cypher Summit Block Party
The Kaufman School of Dance is celebrating WHM and hip hop’s 50th anniversary by exploring how women have shaped hip hop. The Cypher Summit Block Party will feature performances by the Ladies of Hip-Hop Dance Collective, Toyin Sogunro, and the Break Through Hip Hop dance team, in addition to a panel discussion and a closing dance party.
photo credit: Emilia Dora
March 2-3: Athena Hacks
Do you have 24 hours to spare? Participate in Athena Hacks, also known as “Southern California’s premier hackathon for marginalized gender identities.” Female and gender nonconforming students are encouraged to attend the hackathon to develop new skills and learn how to be more comfortable in the tech space — no experience necessary!
March 8: USC Women's History Month Kickoff
On International Women’s Day, President Carol Folt will host a virtual event to kick off WHM. The event will celebrate women of the university and explore the theme “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion."
March 8: Women in Games NOW!
Hosted by USC Games, Women in Games NOW! is an opportunity for women and non-binary game students and professionals to connect, share their experiences, and celebrate each other.
March 21: About Face: Women, War, and Re-envisioning Troy
Visions and Voices and Doheny Library present a series of short student plays which explore gender issues, war, and violence, and reconsider USC’s Trojan symbolism in the context of today. The performance will be followed by a conversation with playwright Christine Evans and current USC faculty.
March 28: Women’s Empowerment Panel: Navigating Professional and Corporate Spaces as a Women
Presented by the USC Career Center, students have the opportunity to discuss challenges women face in the workplace and gain advice from current professionals. The virtual event promises to empower current students and equip them with useful skills to achieve their career goals.
photo credit: USC Femfest
March 30: FemFest
Close out WHM with a bang and attend FemFest, a one-day music festival on campus and “an inclusive safe space that challenges patriarchal oppression in the music industry.” Presented by the Student Assembly for Gender Empowerment, FemFest works to empower the voices of women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. Follow FemFest and/or SAGE on Instagram to see this year’s lineup. Last year, FemFest featured G Luné, Jenevieve, and headliner Chappell Roan (who is currently on tour with Olivia Rodrigo).
For gender and identity-based resources year-round and for a list of gender-based student organizations, check out Gender Equity Programs’ website.
For more events during Women’s History Month, check out the USC Events calendar.
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