Women wanted!

The Women’s Studies Program and the University Bookstore are holding the annual women’s history essay contest to celebrate Women’s History month in March. The theme for the contest is “Women Around the World” and is targeted toward feminist graduate and undergraduate students. Essays must consist of women’s issues or a topic written from a female perspective.

“The feminist perspective is taking virtually any subject and writing it from the feminist viewpoint,” said Brenda Hodges, program coordinator for the Women’s Studies Department. “It’s looking for equity in race, class, gender and age.”

Hodges added that papers written for classes are acceptable.

The essay contest holds the same purpose as the women’s studies program & to promote a better understanding and appreciation for women’s progress in school, career and life.

“The purpose of the contest is to bring women’s accomplishments to attention and celebrate those accomplishments and achievements,” Hodges said.

Contest participants can write about any subject, from the controversial to the personal.

“We have had them write about the women who have made an impact on their lives, such as their mothers and grandmothers,” Hodges said. “Last year, a woman wrote about her country’s arranged marriage.”

Hodges also remembered a female student’s essay about her studies in the male-dominated field of mathematics.

Undergraduate papers must not exceed 10 pages and graduate papers can be up to 20 pages and should include a one-page abstract. The deadline is noon on Friday, Dec. 21 and prizes will be awarded on March 6, 2002.

First prize is $50 and a gift certificate from the University Bookstore and the second prize winner receives $25.

Students having trouble developing ideas about their essays or those who have general questions about the contest should contact Brenda Hodges at Reavis Hall, Room 103 or call 753-1038. Contest guidelines are also located in Reavis Hall 103.