March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the extraordinary contributions of women throughout history and recognize their impact in shaping our world. The College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) embraces this month as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in academia, advocacy, and leadership while reaffirming our commitment to fostering gender equity in scholarship, research, and institutional culture.
As a college dedicated to interdisciplinary inquiry, civic engagement, and social justice, CSSH is deeply committed to advancing the visibility and contributions of women across all areas of study. Women have played a defining role in shaping political thought, social movements, global governance, and the humanities, and their leadership continues to influence the trajectory of higher education, policymaking, and public discourse.
Women’s Contributions to Scholarship & Social Change
The impact of women in the social sciences and humanities is immeasurable. Scholars, writers, policymakers, and activists have led movements for social change, challenged power structures, and redefined cultural narratives. From historians uncovering untold stories to economists analyzing gender disparities in labor markets to legal scholars shaping policy on equity and inclusion, women’s scholarship continues to generate knowledge that transforms society.
Within CSSH, our faculty, researchers, and students engage in critical work that examines issues of gender justice, women’s rights, and feminist thought across disciplines. Courses, research centers, and initiatives housed in the college contribute to conversations about gender representation, intersectionality, and structural inequalities, ensuring that women’s voices remain at the forefront of intellectual discourse and institutional progress.
As we recognize Women’s History Month, we acknowledge the scholars, students, and staff within our college who are shaping new understandings of gender, power, and society. Their research and advocacy serve as a testament to the transformative potential of the humanities and social sciences in advancing gender equity.
A Commitment to Gender Equity & Inclusion
Northeastern University is committed to creating an inclusive academic environment where women are supported, empowered, and positioned to thrive. CSSH actively works to:
- Foster mentorship and leadership opportunities for women faculty, students, and staff.
- Expand gender-focused research and scholarship that informs public policy and social change.
- Support initiatives that address gender disparities in higher education and beyond.
- Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration to explore the intersections of gender, race, class, and global inequalities.
Our commitment to belonging is reflected in our hiring practices, faculty development programs, student support services, and community partnerships. As part of Women’s History Month, we celebrate the women who have made an impact within our college while continuing to work toward a more equitable future for all.
How You Can Engage This Women’s History Month
Throughout March, we encourage faculty, staff, and students to actively engage in discussions, events, and initiatives that honor the legacy and ongoing contributions of women. Here are some ways to participate:
- Attend lectures and discussions focused on women’s history, gender justice, and feminist scholarship.
- Explore research and publications by CSSH faculty that examine women’s roles in society, politics, and the humanities.
- Recognize and uplift women in your academic and professional circles by amplifying their work and contributions. Support initiatives promoting gender equity and inclusion within Northeastern and beyond.
Looking Ahead: Advancing Gender Equity Beyond March
While Women’s History Month provides a dedicated time for recognition and reflection, our commitment to uplifting women in academia and society must extend beyond March. At CSSH, we continue to foster an environment where women’s voices, research, and leadership are not only recognized but prioritized in shaping institutional progress.
This includes supporting faculty-led research on gender justice and policy reform, increasing representation of women in leadership roles, and ensuring that our curriculum reflects the diverse contributions of women across disciplines. It also means creating mentorship and professional development opportunities that enable students and early-career scholars to thrive.
Women’s history is being made every day—through the scholarship, activism, and leadership of those within our college and beyond. As we celebrate this month, let us reaffirm our role in continuing the work of those who came before us, advocating for a future where gender equity is realized in all spaces, from classrooms to boardrooms and beyond.
