My husband and I saw this show last year at PCC West and it is hilarious (hard to believe that monologues about vaginas and women can be funny, but it is.) Both men and women seemed to enjoy the stories told onstage by talented women (students/staff of PCC).

And this is another event to celebrate Women’s “Herstory” Month of March.

Showing at UA Modern Languages Bldg, auditorium room 350 (1423 E. University Blvd.)
Tuesday, March 26
6:30 p.m. Movie screening
7:30 p.m. Q & A with filmmaker Jennifer Baumgardner (activist, writer, lecturer). From her website:

Rape is wrong, illegal, reprehensible—and yet still tragically common. In this film, eight women tell their diverse personal stories of sexual assault, from a Midwestern teenager trying alcohol for the first time to a Native American woman gradually coming to terms with her abusive childhood. Gripping and emotional, this film is an opportunity to empathize with people—not just absorb faceless statistics—and to puncture the silence and denial that allow sexual assault to thrive. Ultimately, these stories shed light on how this epidemic affects us all.

It Was Rape began screening in December of 2012. This spring it will be part of film festivals, Take Back the Night events and anti-violence programming in Alabama, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Louisiana, Ohio, New York, and Arizona.

This film screening is co-sponsored by:
UA Women’s Resource Center
F.O.R.C.E. (Feminists Organized to Resist, Create, and Empower)
Wingspan AVP (Anti-Violence Project)
Campus Health Service’s Oasis Program against Sexual Assault & Relationship Violence

This is another event for Women’s “Herstory” Month of March.

Two days only: March 24 (11 a.m.) and March 26 (7 p.m.) at the Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway. This is one of their monthly Essential Cinema films, free of charge or $5 suggested donation.

Arguably the supreme masterpiece in the extraordinary canon of maverick writer-director John Cassavetes, A Woman Under the Influence was a landmark film in many ways, not least because it was one of the first true independent American films, self-financed and booked into art houses by the director himself. This harrowing and often humorous drama charts the emotional meltdown of a suburban housewife named Mabel (played with jaw-dropping intensity by Cassavetes’ real-life wife Gena Rowlands, who received an Oscar nomination and numerous prizes for her astonishing performance, including the Golden Globe and the National Board of Review Award for Best Actress), and its effects on her blue-collar Italian family. Mabel’s increasingly bizarre behavior frightens her children and forces her confused yet loving husband (played with heart-rending vulnerability by Peter Falk, then at the height of his Columbo TV fame) to commit her for psychiatric treatment, leaving the family even more dysfunctional than before. The story unspools not through melodrama but in long, spontaneous takes that escalate in intensity as Mabel’s mental instability increases, resulting in one of the most devastating portraits of a relationship ever committed to the screen. The project came from an idea by Rowlands, who was interested in being in a play about the problems faced by contemporary women. However, when Cassavetes presented her with the script, Rowlands knew she would never be able to maintain the intensity on stage night after night so it became a motion picture. Cassavetes was eventually forced to fund the project through loans from family and friends, as the film production establishment feared no one would want to see a film about “a crazy, middle-aged dame.” As it turns out, the world did indeed want to see such a film, and A Woman Under the Influence not only went on to become a critical smash, but a box-office hit as well. (Dir. by John Cassavetes, 1974, US, 155 min. Rated R) HD Digital

I first say this classic movie decades ago when women’s mental health issues were coming to the forefront as part of the feminist movement. And being as March is Women’s “Herstory” Month, watch this dramatic movie to find out this particular woman’s story.

International Women’s Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women’s Day, is marked on March 8 every year.In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women’s economic, political and social achievements.(from wikipedia)

Celebrate March 8, 2013 with the women in your life. March is also Women’s “Herstory” Month, so this is also the time to reflect upon women’s accomplishments in our country, and to honor the strong women in your life.

Shaft Tomb Culture, State of Guanajuato, West Coast Mexico, Seated Female, 200 BC-AD 300, earthenware, Gift of Frederick R. Pleasants. 1973.26 (courtesy of TMA)

This exhibition focuses on representations of the feminine, both sacred and profane, from throughout Latin America and over the course of several centuries. Including two and three dimensional artworks from the permanent collection, this exhibition spans Pre-Columbian through Contemporary Latin American art, highlighting the importance of representations of the feminine throughout Latin America and how these representations have changed over time.

I first learned about this exhibit from AZ Illustrated Arts Channel 6 (click here for the show which aired on Valentine’s Day 2013).

What does it mean to be feminine? The way we dress, style our hair or wear makeup, whether we are biological mothers or not? View this fascinating exhibit to find out.

Exhibit runs through June 16, 2013, and the TMA is free on the first Sundays of the month, 12 noon to 5 p.m. Regular adults admission is $10, Seniors over 65 $8, college students $5, all others free (children/students 18 and under, active military and veterans with I.D., members of TMA). What a deal for lovers of art.

For more photos of what type of art (permanent and temporary) is being shown, click here for Tucson Museum of Art website.

And since March is Women’s “Herstory” Month, this exhibit is a fitting tribute to women and girls in Latin America.

Opening remarks were made by organizer Alison Hughes, Chair of the Pima County/Tucson Women’s Commission, followed by presentation of colors & pledge of allegiance by Girl Scouts Troop 2139. Dr. Hart, the 21st President of the University of Arizona was honored by representatives of the numerous organizations present, and then delivered a very inspiring speech.

The photo below is courtesy of Alison Hughes of Dr. Hart and members of several of the organizations which co-sponsored the event (listed below the photo). Dr. Hart is seated on the front row, sixth from the left, with Alison to her right (in the photo L-R).

American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Angel Charity
Arizona Women’s Political Caucus (AWPC)
Arizona Women Lawyers Association
Black Women’s Task Force
City Women’s Golf Association
CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women)
Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona
Jewish Women’s Philanthropy group
Junior League of Tucson
Kore Press
Las Adelitas
League of Mexican American Women
League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson (LWVGT)
Muslim Women Organization
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
Office of Outreach & Multicultural Affairs, The University of Arizona
Our Family Services (New Beginnings for Women and Children)
Pima County/Tucson Women’s Commission (PCTWC)
Planned Parenthood of Arizona
SACASA/Arizona Children’s Association
SIROW (Southwest Institute For Research on Women),University of AZ
Southern Az. Women in Law Enforcement
Soroptomists
Sowing of Seeds (women writers)
The Haven
Tucson Symphony Women’s Association
Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona
Women Marines Association AZ-Saguaro Chapter
United Way Women Leading United
Women’s Army Corp.
Women at the Top
Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
YWCA

Other women’s organizations which co-sponsored the reception:
Altrusa International
Business and Professional Women/AZ
Key Group
Las Donas
National Bank of Arizona Women’s Financial Group
Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement/UA College of Medicine
Raytheon Women’s Network
Southern Arizona Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Tucson Commercial Real Estate Women
U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Women President’s Organization

And March 1st begins Women’s “Herstory” Month, so this was indeed a fitting tribute to Dr. Hart. She was also recently featured on the cover of Biz Tucson magazine. The article inside “Agent of Change” relates Dr. Hart’s rise to Presidency of this University, but also that she is the mother of four daughters. She served as President of Temple University in Philadelphia, and the University of New Hampshire prior to coming to Arizona.

Congratulations to Dr. Hart and welcome to Tucson.

Celebrate the many accomplishments of intelligent, hard working, powerful women and their organizations in Tucson and this country during the month of March.

Free performance of this show in celebration of Women’s “Herstory” Month, at 7 p.m. on March 29, at Pima Community College Proscenium Theater. Sponsored by the West Campus Student Life Office.

More background on this 1996 Vagina Monologues episodic play by Eve Ensler click here.

I know those of you who haven’t seen this show are wondering how can monologues about vaginas and womanhood be funny, but believe me, it is. I saw this show back in Hawaii years ago, and it was creative and entertaining…even for men. I’m taking my husband to see it, but then — he writes and lectures about women & sexuality in the Middle Ages (click here for his talk tonight at Himmel Branch Library).

Last year I announced the 1st Women in Government Day sponsored by the Pima County/Tucson Women’s Commission (click here), for Women’s “Herstory” Month of March.

The 2nd annual event will be held on Friday, March 23 (note new location):

Over 60 nominations have been received for the 2nd Annual Women in Government Day to recognize outstanding women who have excelled in leadership, volunteerism, unsung heroine and in evolving young woman categories during their work in government positions. The event is sponsored by the Pima County / Tucson Women’s Commission.

The winners will be announced Friday, March 23 in a ceremony from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Moore Courtyard, Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave., Downtown Tucson, where a light lunch will be served. Jan Lesher deputy Pima County administrator and former chief of staff for operations for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will be the keynote speaker. Her topic is “Women Keep it Going.”

The public is invited to attend this free event.

Contact: Maxine Goodman
maxinegoodman17@yahoo.com
Media Relations
Pima County / Tucson Women’s Commission
(520) 622-0905

The Pima County Board of Supervisors will be issuing a proclamation today for “Women in Government Day” on March 23. They meet at 9 a.m. in their meeting room at 130 W. Congress Street. PCTWC Chair Alison Hughes will be accepting the proclamation on behalf of the Women’s Commission.

There was a large audience last year at this event at the small Women’s Commission meeting room at 240 N. Court, so thus the move to a larger, outdoor plaza at TMA. Stop by & show your support for the Women’s Commission and their hard work.

Update: winners of the 4 categories listed below in comment section.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012
7 p.m., Student Union Memorial Center
Gallagher Theater, University of Arizona
1303 E. University Blvd.

Like drawing back a curtain to let bright light stream in, “Miss Representation” uncovers a glaring reality we live with every day but fail to see. Written and directed byJennifer Siebel Newsom, the film exposes how mainstream media contribute to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence in America.

International Women’s Day: Gender Equity Bake Sale
For Women’s “Herstory” Month

Thursday, March 8, 2012
7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Eat yummy treats while learning about gaps in wages due to gender, sex and sexual orientation.

Student Union Memorial Center, 1303 E. University Blvd.
Room: 404, Center for Student Involvement and Leadership

Info on both events at UA: 520-621-4498 Dr.Krista Millay, Program Director (Women’s Resource Center)

March 8, 2012 is International Women’s Day and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WIlPF) will celebrate it by showcasing the challenges that women peace and justice activists face working on issues around the world. It is a pleasure for WILPF to work with Salt of the Earth Labor College and the YWCA to celebrate the good work being done here in Tucson.

Speakers/presenters:
–Raquel Rubio-Goldsmith specializes in Mexican-American women’s history, human rights and immigration issues.
–Rebeca Cartes is a singer and musician from Chile.
–Alexia Vasquez is a slam poet from Tucson.
–Pastor Delle McCormick, from the First Christian Church, works with creative non-violence.
–Carolyn Trowbridge from Salt of the Earth Labor College is a peace activist with knowledge and experience in labor issues.
–Iskashitaa, a refugee organization headed by Dr. Barbara Eiswerth, will be represented by a volunteer from the organization.
–Mary DeCamp from Code Pink and Occupy Tucson will emcee the evening.

Please join us to celebrate the positive changes that women (in partnership with progressive and peace-loving men) are working towards in the world.

March 8, 2012 from 7-9 pm YWCA, 525 N. Bonita Avenue, Tucson. Bring your friends.

More on WILPF Tucson, click here. Mary DeCamp ran unsuccessfully for the Ward 3 Council seat in 2009 and mostly recently she prevailed in the Green Party primary (August 2011) for Mayor of Tucson, but lost in the general election.

Pima County / Tucson Women’s Commission to Celebrate

Women in Government Day on March 25, 2011

The Pima County / Tucson Women’s Commission, in conjunction with the City of Tucson and Pima County, will celebrate Women in Government day on March 25, 2011 at the Women’s Commission building, 240 N. Court from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Recognizing the importance of Women in Government Day, the Pima County Tucson Women’s Commission has partnered with the City of Tucson and Pima governments to launch a new awards program to honor and celebrate the contributions of women in local government service. The event is scheduled as part of National Women’s History Month proclaimed by the United States President.

The event will recognize women that have demonstrated the following qualities in public service: Leadership, Community Volunteer, and Unsung Hero.

There will be a free brown bag lunch provided to any female employee of the City of Tucson or Pima County, upon presentation of their public badge. Attendees will enjoy a walk through of the historic commission building and have the opportunity to speak with past and current commissioners.

Awards will be presented at 12:30 p.m. to the honorees. Prizes will include a two-night, three-day stay at Canyon Ranch and a gift certificate from Café Poca Cosa.

The commission asked City and County employees to nominate outstanding women in the three categories by Tuesday, March 15, 2011. Nomination forms were available from the Women’s Commission website: www.pimatucsonwomen.org.

This is the first tribute of Women in Government that the commission has held.
Court Avenue will be blocked off from Washington to Council Streets to accommodate non-profit agencies to exhibit information on their organizations and to make way for the activities. Phone # for the Women’s Commission is 520-624-8318 and it is located on the SE corner of Council St.

As a former Commissioner (twice) I know well the dedicated work this Commission undertakes. Drop by in celebration of Women’s “Herstory” Month. It’s actually Women’s History Month, but I prefer “herstory” over his story.

Contact: Alison Hughes, Commission Chairwoman
alisonhughes@cox.net
(520) 626-6253 (W)

Maxine Goodman
maxinegoodman17@yahoo.com
Media Relations
(520) 622-0905