Programs
Celebration of Women in the Arts
The annual Celebration of Women in the Arts showcases women’s talents and contributions to the arts. Celebration of Women in the Arts is the first program to be hosted by the UNF Women’s Center, and has now been presented for over 30 continuous years. The foundation for Celebration of Women in the Arts was laid in 1987 and has grown significantly since then. Celebration of Women in the Arts is a free event that takes place during fall semester.
InRoads to Influence
InRoads to Influence is an annual panel series hosted by the Center and other campus organizations. Women and men in leadership positions on campus and in the community discuss their paths to leadership. Panelists are asked questions pertaining to the rewards and challenges of being in an influential position. They discuss gender issues and some focus on race and gender issues combined. The moderator delves into their secrets to success and probes for advice and other helpful tips for persons interested in obtaining or maintaining a leadership role.
The Women’s Center partnered with the Carpenter Library Special Collections Department in 2009 to begin hosting InRoads to Influence. The event features panelists who discuss the paths they have taken to leadership positions and includes Women of Influence, Black Women of Influence, Black Men of Influence and Hispanic Women of Influence.
Purple Ribbon Campaign
Each October in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, purple ribbons and bows are displayed throughout campus. The ribbons symbolize support and assistance for persons impacted by domestic violence. They also remind us that intimate partner violence is not a private matter, but a public concern that impacts the entire community.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Take Back the Night
“Take Back the Night” brings people together to stand in unity against interpersonal violence and abuse in their community. A cross-campus march represents the solidarity of women and men who are not afraid to stand up and speak out against violence. A candle-lighting ceremony honors victims and survivors of violence, and survivors are given the opportunity to share their stories. Take Back the Night is a national movement conducted by organizations during April or October. Take Back the Night features a resource awareness fair and a cross-campus march from Osprey Crossings to Osprey Plaza. A Drum Corps leads the march, which is followed by a survivor speak out and candle lighting ceremony in Osprey Plaza.
The first Take Back the Night event in the U.S took place in Philadelphia in October, 1975. Historically, women have felt the anxiety of walking alone at night and that is why Take Back the Night was organized. Imagine: a woman walks alone down a dark, deserted street. With every shadow she sees, and every sound she hears, her pounding heart flutters and skips a beat. She hurries her pace as she sees her destination become closer. She is almost there. She reaches the front door, goes inside, collects herself and moves on, forgetting, at least for tonight, the gripping fear that momentarily enveloped her life. This scene could have occurred anywhere last night, last year, or even 100 years ago. As such, Philadelphia residents rallied after the murder of microbiologist Susan Alexander Speeth, who was stabbed by a stranger a block from her home while walking alone.
Women's History Month
Each year, in the month of March, we celebrate Women's History Month with a wide variety of fun and educational events, including awarding our Women's History Month scholarship and the Gender Equity Award. Our special Women's History Month events can be found by clicking below!