Intern Insights: International Women's Day
Humanities exploration through an intern's eyes
HRI Prindable Intern
As HRI’s David F. Prindable Communications and Outreach intern, I had the opportunity to attend the 7th annual celebration of International Women’s Day, “12 Women Who Changed the World: Untold Stories,” sponsored by the Women and Gender in Global Perspectives Program and the Humanities Research Institute. Through a series of five-minute presentations, faculty, staff, students, and community members honored and celebrated women who have made strides and effected change in their respective fields.
Illinois undergraduate speaker
One speaker that particularly resonated with me was Emma Darbro, an undergraduate student, like myself, in the College of LAS. She told the story of Amy Merrill, Elisa Wells, and Francine Coeytaux, the women who broadened access to safe medication abortion pills. The process of mailing Plan C pills interestingly originated through mailing packages of garbanzo beans as a test trial. Because of these women’s work, Plan C pills can reach millions of consumers, even in states where abortion services are restricted.
This presentation was particularly compelling because of Emma’s passionate delivery. As a member of the audience, it was abundantly clear how these women have motivated her to continue changing the world by insuring safe abortion services. It was inspiring to see a fellow undergrad passionate about making safe abortion services accessible for students on our UIUC campus.
Illinois Scholars at Risk Fellow
Another compelling speaker I had the honor of hearing from was Gloria Porras, a former judge and Illinois Scholars at Risk Fellow. She passionately spoke about Indigenous women and women for justice in her home country of Guatemala. Indigenous Guatemalan women conducted peace demonstrations to defend democracy. They continue to fight to preserve their culture, language, environment, and biodiversity. One woman for justice that she emphasized was lawyer Claudia González. She protected human rights defenders and is now in prison awaiting trial. Gloria spoke from the heart about the women of her home country and how they impact her daily. The deep connection with the women of Guatemala and her passion for justice was an inspiring experience.
Hearing such accomplished speakers passionately talk about trailblazing women in their fields was very inspirational. Having an event dedicated to celebrating women and their accomplishments across different disciplines is truly empowering. I learned a lot about extraordinary women through knowledgeable faculty and students, and the impact these figures have made on each speaker’s interests.
By Hafsa Faruqi, David F. Prindable intern
