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“Sheroes” is a word that is not found in dictionaries or history books, but was referenced by organizations, professors and students today at the Library Quad.

The Women’s Resource Center, English Department and the Student Activities Department joined forces to honor “sheroes,” or inspirational women in history and in day-to-day life, as part of Women’s History Month.

Organizers set up an open mic for students to recognize their personal sheroes and also spoke to urge Sacramento State students toward community involvement.

Heidi Van Beek, program adviser for Student Activities, encouraged students to speak out and honor women who have had a great effect in their lives.

Van Beek read a passage from her favorite author, Charlotte Casl. Van Beek said that Casl was perfect for students who need relationship advice.

English professor Hellen Lee-Keller began her speech by reading from the Declaration of the Rights of Women, a pioneering document written in 1791 which challenged the inequality between men and women.

Lee-Keller also spoke about criticism of feminist activism. She said some people view all feminists as “femi-Nazis,” even those activists who could be considered mild and gradualist. Women fighting for equality face different struggles, she said, and they should should not be dismissed so simply.

Freshman Akwinder Kaur, a current intern at the Women Resource Center, read a passage from a poem by Chicana writer Sandra Cisneros that she said touched her life experience as a woman. Kaur said she was the first person in her family to go to college and felt pressure from her parents by the over-protectiveness she faces on a daily basis.

“Being a woman in my family is not easy. I have to set the example and the family’s honor is placed on my shoulders,” Kaur said.

Health Science Professor Dr. Akbar Davami took his class on an assignment to listen and participate in the open mic opportunities.

Davami said that women’s health and community is crucial to learning health science.

Davami added that students should be aware of the women’s “political issues.” Based on current statistics, women currently face job discrimination with no pay raises or promotion opportunities, Davami said.

Event organizers will continue the open mic on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m in the Library Quad. For more information about upcoming Women’s History Month events, visit the Women’s Resource Center website.

Vanessa Guerrero can be reached at [email protected].