This month is International Women’s Month. I had the privilege to speak with the Vice President of the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI), Bronte Delmonico, On why we should celebrate this month and what there is to look forward to. 

Community Spotlight

By Max Nokes | Edited by Marouso Pappas & Matthew Board

As the proponet behind a series of upcoming events spanning throughout March, WLI is assured to make a significant impact on the JCU community, hoping to empower and celebrate the achievements of women. In this interview, Delmonico shares insights into the various events planned in collaboration with the Women’s Leadership Initiative, the importance of recognizing March as International Women’s Month, and the transformative power of participating in the many upcoming events here at JCU. Join us as we delve into the heart of an organization dedicated to inspiring change and appreciating the incredible contributions of women. 

Nokes: First question obviously is, what is the Women’s Leadership Initiative? 

Delmonico: So, the Women’s Leadership Initiative is a response to the historic and ongoing oppression that has led to the under-representation of women in leadership positions. And to address this issue, we’ve strived to carry on the work and mission of the founders of WLI in advancing gender equity and fostering a safe environment for women by focusing on three main pillars. The first being advocacy – we want to bring awareness in developing an enhanced understanding of gender inequalities and marginalized communities and also just to start conversations or talk about relevant issues that may be going on right now. For example, we’ve held round tables on certain topics, participated in panels with other clubs, and we even were able to put tampons and pads in the bathrooms at JCU. We also focus on connection, whether it be internal to the JCU community with students, other clubs, the faculty and student services, or externally with alumni, the professional community, or organizations. We’ve done some work with Casa Internazionale delle Donne and hosted several inspiring and amazing guest speakers. Lastly, we concentrate on professional development, which can be such a difficult thing to attain as an undergraduate student. In the past we’ve offered LinkedIn, resume, and CV building workshops. Although we’re a women-led organization, we’re not exclusive to just women and I think the community we’ve built with the board, the members, and the JCU community is very special. We think it’s important to create a comfortable environment and so if anyone wants to talk about a certain issue or going on, we always try to make the space and time to do so.  

Nokes: How does the Women’s Leadership Initiative contribute to promoting and supporting women’s empowerment in the JCU community?   

Delmonico: Well, I want to say first and foremost that the work of WLI is just a fraction of the contributions that are being done, especially this semester with International Women’s Month in March. We have the incredible faculty in student services and the health and well-being department that’s contributing and professors are taking their own strides to bring awareness to the importance of this month. Last year, the school did such a great job of organizing and spotlighting International Women’s Month and this year I’m even more excited for everything planned. Instead of doing our usual bi-weekly meetings this semester, WLI decided to concentrate our events and effort into March by working with the JCU community. We’re so thankful for the resources and people we’ve been able to work with.  

Nokes: Why do you think it’s important to celebrate this month? And with all these events happening, what are your goals that you’re hoping to accomplish by the end of the month? 

Delmonico: I think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Month to give recognition to all of the inspiring women throughout history and of today, to acknowledge and shed light on the struggles of women, and also to bring empowerment to all that’s been achieved. During our introductory meeting last semester, we asked those who attended to name one woman who inspires them – and I remember that it was hard for everyone to choose just one. But almost everyone named their mom or a close relative, and I thought that was beautiful how we’ve all been touched and inspired by women in our life – whether it be directly in our homes or from the efforts of women in history. 

Nokes: And what are the goals WLI is trying to accomplish? And what events do you have planned for the month of March?    

Delmonico: Our foremost objective is just to bring awareness and ignite conversations and participation in the JCU community. We want to show that there are opportunities to get involved . with all of the amazing events that have been coordinated  by other clubs, by the faculty, and by student services. Some of the events that are happening this month are: 

–             Self Defense Classes on March 11, 14, 19, and 20

o   19:30  Secchia Terrace 

–              A Women’s Day Celebration on March 8

o   12:45-13:30, Lemon Tree Courtyard  

–              The Jamila Exhibit, a collaboration with ASA & BASA, on March 7 on campus, and at Zalib on March 8th and March 9

–             Feminist Futures hosted by Prof. Castelli alongside other Professors from various departments throughout March 8

o   Aula Magna, all day  

–              Exhibit of Important Women , where the cultural clubs present important women from their cultures/countries and their achievements, on March 12

o   Tiber Cafe 

–              A collaboration with the Film Appreciation Club of a screening of Thelma and Louise on March 19

o   18:30, G.G.1 

–              Women In Leadership Roundtable Discussion with Club Leaders on March 21 

o   18:00, G.G.1   

–              Menstrual Health event with Vicky Walsh, a Relationships and Sex Educator, on March 21

o   19:30 (F.G.4 or G.G.1)  

–              Event on Trans Women with a speaker from the Gay Center thanks to Queer Alliance on March 25

o   18:00  Secchia Terrace 

–              Psychology Club Collaboration: “Women in Psychology”  on March 26

o   G.K.1.3, 19:30 

And so many more. So please make sure to stay tuned with updates and announcements on campus.

Nokes: I can’t wait to attend some of them. Why do you think it’s important to collaborate with these other clubs? Does this help build your community?  

Delmonico: It’s important to collaborate with other clubs because they represent women in different ways. I think that we’re bringing as much attention through this month as possible by including all the different types of women at this school. Because there’s not just one way to be a woman.   

Nokes: In what ways can students and staff, whether they’re part of WLI or any other club, can contribute to International Women’s month?   

Delmonico: Participate! Join and come to the lovely events that have been organized for this month. And there’s so many. So even if you can’t come to one, or maybe one peaks your interest more than another, there’s so many ways to become involved 

Nokes: Amazing Bronte, thank you so much!  

Delmonico: No, thank you! 

As we anticipate the exciting events that WLI has to offer this International Women’s Month; it’s great to see such a great organization like WLI create opportunities for learning, inspiration, and growth. With the upcoming discussions, screenings, or celebrations, WLI is ready to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women this International Women’s Month. 

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