Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the many accomplishments and achievements of women across the globe and to remember the trials and tribulations all women have endured to get where they are now.
Different organizations on campus are taking the time to celebrate in their own ways and teach anyone willing to learn what they are providing for the betterment of women in the Ashland community.
Most clubs plan to make this March as informative as they can with only a few weeks left of the month.
One group in particular is the Ashland chapter of 1Girl, a nonprofit organization that is built on a mentorship and leadership program for middle school girls to learn from college and high school students on professionalism and navigating different workforces.
“I want to close off the year and Women’s History Month by showcasing the stories of women and the history of women,” 1Girl President Erin Groves said. “I hope to partner with another campus organization and showcase the history and the future.”
Other organizations are using this time to grow their campus outreach, like Delight Ministries.
“Delight is all about intentionally inviting college women to be a part of a community where we form a deeper relationship with Jesus,” said Yosolajesu Olujide-Ajibade, current team director of Delight Ministries. “We aim to bring girls closer to the Lord by giving them the resources they need to become strong and servant-hearted leaders.”
The mission of Delight Ministries is to invite college women into a Christ-centered community that fosters vulnerability and transforms stories. Those in Delight Ministries are provided a safe space to worship and a chance to find themselves.
Olujide-Ajibade has been team director for the last year and a half, watching the organization grow and prosper over her years at AU. Now transitioning into the team director is Lauren Stotzer, a member of Delight for three years who started as the book coordinator.
Many organizations like 1Girl and Delight Ministries pride themselves on being a great factor in the betterment of women on campus.
Stotzer said, “Some things that Delight does for the betterment of women on campus is just allowing them to come together to be vulnerable with their faith and working toward growing their faith. It is a great way to get to know each other and to have a community that supports one another.”
While most organizations are having smaller celebrations for their members and anyone else who wishes to join, groups like Elevate are using this opportunity to continue to educate everyone on campus.
“With Elevate, I hoped to make it a place where both women and men can feel safe, also non-binary or individuals that identify with other terms,” Elevate President Reina Britt said. “As much as I would want to do something for Women’s History Month, I want to make sure this [university] is fostering a community of support for all and not just one singular gender.”
While there are only thirty-one days of Women’s History Month each up-and-coming leader strongly encourages other women to take the step and become a leader themselves.
“One of the biggest things is, and as cheesy as it sounds, you just have to go for it,” Groves added. “You have to believe in yourself because if you don’t, no one’s going to believe in you. Maybe you’ll get the lead role, but you’re not going to be confident in it and you’re not going to be able to fully give everything you can.”