International Women’s Day is Friday, and the Manhattan chapter of the American Association of University Women is hosting its annual public forum featuring four women’s journeys from their home countries to Kansas.
The internationally recognized day started in Austria in 1911 and was ratified by the UN in 1977. Due to the global nature and significance of the day, State Sen. Usha Reddi moderates the annual event and says the local chapter discusses women’s issues not only in America, but across the world
Among this year’s speakers is Vajiheh Shahsvari from Iran. She’s seeking her master’s in curriculum and instruction and taught for over 23 years in Iran and is currently working on her dissertation on auto ethnography.
Dr. Ana Mendonca, is originally from Brazil and is currently pursuing her PhD in education. She says Friday’s discussion will center around how women’s rights are valued in their home countries. Mendonca says Brazil approved legislation in November that will force companies to have equality in salaries for men and women.
The other speakers Friday include Agnieszka Lasko, from Poland and Dr. Claudia Petrescu, from Romania. The free public forum will take place at 7 p.m. Friday at the Holiday Inn at the Campus.
