Already representing 60 percent of students on campus, women will gain even more prominence in March.

The women’s and gender studies program is coordinating these events in celebration of Women’s History Month.

“Given the huge amount of debate and discussion about women, particularly in regards to women’s healthcare decisions, I find this opportunity to be especially important,” said Mandy Gallagher, women’s and gender studies program coordinator and assistant professor of communications.

The events will include panels, digital displays in Moseley that will feature important women and a documentary screening that will include a discussion about the prominent women in history and their effect on society today.

“This is a time for us to reflect on the historical accomplishments of women before us to further explore where we would like to see women go in the future,” Gallagher said. “We need to continue to have meaningful dialogue and collective action to debate and discuss issues.”

Women’s History Month celebrates women such as Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, Julia Child, Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey.

There will also be a student and faculty panel that will examine the different approaches to Women’s and Gender Studies research that the faculty and students have conducted. Belk Library will have a special collection during March about the history of women.

According to the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, multiple historical markers around the state honor North Carolina women and their accomplishments. For those who wish to celebrate off-campus, events in Raleigh will be held at The Center for Community Leadership March 8, International Women’s Day. The day celebrates the economic, political and social successes of women in the past, present and future, according to UNWomen.org.

As March quickly approaches, students are beginning to express excitement for the events.

“The fact that the department is hosting events on campus is a cool thing,” said freshman Katie Maraghy. “I think it would be great if people attended these events.”

But although the events are planned solely for the month of March, the discussion of the important issues surrounding women should not be confined to one month, Gallagher said.

“I think we should celebrate women every day, not just over the course of one month,” Gallagher said.