The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Multicultural Advisory Board celebrated women’s achievements in invention, medicine and politics at the Women’s Empowerment Program on Tuesday, March 26 in the Lowrimore Auditorium.

“Equity leads to equality,” was the theme of the event, which was held in honor of Women’s History Month.  Jamal Lightbourne, freshmen political science major and board member, said the purpose of the program was to increase awareness about women’s contributions to society.

“Many may not pay attention to the hardship that women have endured,” Lightbourne said.  “That is why the Multicultural Advisory Board tries to create programs to make the community aware of the historic movements that have occurred.”

Payton Matthews, junior, began the event with the presentation “Women Empowerment.”  Matthews explained the significance of Women’s History Month and said women must continue to strive for personal success as well as professional achievement and equality.

“Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the contribution and honor the sacrifices and accomplishments of women who not only shaped our service, but the country as well,” Matthews said.  “Across many years and cultures, women have fought to be educated, empowered and treated equal to their male counterparts.”

A trivia game followed the presentation.  The game highlighted the achievements of women who made history, such as Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American elected into Congress; pioneer DNA researcher Rosalind E. Franklin and Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning female monarch.

Lightbourne, Clarissa Chestnut, junior political science major and Paul Samuel, junior sociology major, participated in the game.  Chestnut won the prize, a $20 Patriot Bookstore gift card.

Lightbourne said the program made him aware of how influential women have been in the past and continue to be leaders today.

“I have learned much about the history of women and their struggles as well as the achievements that took place in order for women in this country to demand such a high level of respect,” Lightbourne said.

Dr. Daphne Carter-McCants, assistant dean of students, explained that both female and male students could benefit from the program’s message and have the potential to become leaders, but meeting this goal requires good character.

“I believe it is important for today’s women and young women to lead by example,” Carter-McCants said.  “When positive characteristics are captured by women, they do not go unnoticed. It is also important to remember that a reputation of excellence will enable anyone – male or female – to travel far.”