It’s only three months into 2018, and women are already making strides in activism across the country, from the widely-attended second annual Women’s March to the “Time’s Up” and “#MeToo” movements in the entertainment industry. We can take time to reflect on progress this March during Women’s History Month, a nationally recognized month-long celebration to recognize women’s achievements and contributions to society in America. There are many events and activities to attend at Fordham Lincoln Center and around New York City:

The Feminist Alliance Pad and Tampon Drive

The lack of access to menstrual products for women experiencing homelessness and poverty is a pressing issue. They are highly needed items in women’s shelters but are often overlooked when it comes to donations. The Feminist Alliance is hosting a feminine hygiene drive this month that will go through the end of the semester. Every other Thursday, they will be tabling in the Indoor Plaza as well as collecting donations at their other events. Donate unopened boxes of pads, tampons, menstrual cups and other menstruation products to support the women in need in our community. All proceeds will be donated to I Support The Girls, an organization helping homeless women maintain their dignity by providing bras and feminine hygiene products.

Stove’s Second Annual Feminist Comedy Show—March 20

A collaboration between Stove’s Cabin Crew, FCLC’s comedy club, and the Feminist Alliance has resulted in a comedy night filled with sketches, stand-up and character bits from an all-female cast of comedians. This show will act as a promotional event for the upcoming production of The Monologues. The Feminist Alliance will continue collecting donations of feminine hygiene products at the door. Support women while having a laugh on March 20 at 8 p.m. in the Student Lounge!

Open Michelle—Ladies Open Mic at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, East Village—March 22

Calling all funny women! This month we celebrate women’s brave achievements, talents and strengths. Why not celebrate yours? Several students in the Fordham community are involved with the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), an esteemed improv theatre in the city. On March 22 at 6 p.m., UCB will be hosting a ladies’ stand-up open mic night at their East Village location. Participants will be drawn out of a hat and given a three minute set. The performance is free.

Monuments For Women in Bryant and Riverside Parks

New York City has celebrated March as Women’s History Month since 1981, even though it has only been recognized by Congress as a national month since 1987. This city recognizes powerful women all around. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation has compiled a list of parks and monuments dedicated to influential women of the city. Travel across the city and sightsee these monuments: take the train to Bryant Park and pose with the statue of Gertrude Stein near the New York Public library, or relax by the Josephine Shaw Lowell Memorial Fountain, the first major monument honoring a woman in New York City. You also don’t have to go far from campus to find women’s monuments. At Riverside Park on 72nd, you can find the Eleanor Roosevelt Memorial, an elegant sculpture by Penelope Jencks of the honored first lady. Women’s history is documented all over the city.

Art Inspired by Carrie Mae Weems—March 28

If you’re too lazy to leave campus to get creative with Women’s History Month events, you practically don’t have to. Located right behind Fordham Lincoln Center, the Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center is hosting a free art lesson sponsored by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. The lesson is an overview of the works and technique of American contemporary artist Carrie Mae Weems, followed by a hands-on workshop. The event is open to the public, but you must RSVP. More information can be found at their website.

Special Women-Centric Art Exhibits

Artists and museum curators are enthusiastically participating in Women’s History Month. There are several affordable exhibits to check out around the city. From now until May 19, Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m to 6 p.m., “The Intersectional Self” is showing at the 8th Floor Gallery. The pieces showcase how feminism has  benefited society. Additionally, The Shady Ladies touring company has launched a special “Nasty Women” guided tour at the Met for Women’s History Month. Book the tour online at www.shadyladiestours.com.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s a time to remember the achievements of women and a time to be inspired by them.