2003 Press Releases

"Women in Sports" to Highlight Women's History Month Discussion (March 26, 2003)

On Thursday, March 27, the U.S. Office and National University Library's Women's History Month speaker series continues with a discussion about women in sports. The speech will begin at 6 p.m. in the main Library auditorium.

Throughout history, women have often been considered "too delicate" or "too refined" to participate in organized sports. Women have consistently disproved that notion. While often fighting against stereotypes, women have made their way to the courts, the fields, and the ranges and, in the process, have entertained crowds, displayed physical fitness, inspired others, and made money. Today in America almost everyone knows tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams and soccer great Mia Hamm and it's not unusual for girls to participate in sports throughout their school careers. Thursday's talk will trace how women in the U.S. have gone from the sidelines to the goal lines.

Attorney Susan Strawn, of the U.S. Department of Justice, will lead Thursday's discussion. Ms. Strawn has worked with the judicial system in Kosovo since last year and has practiced law in the U.S. for more than a decade. Her love of sports goes back to childhood when she joined a competitive swim team at age seven. In high school, she captained the volleyball and basketball teams, and also won varsity letters in softball and track. At Princeton University, she played on the school's volleyball team for years - for two of those years the school won the Ivy League Championship.

In the United States, Congress designated March as Women's History Month, which has become a time when schools and communities organize events to commemorate the contributions women made -- and continue to make -- to the history and culture of America. Organizers who lobbied Congress for the official designation chose March because of International Women's Day (held March 8).

This speaker's series will give Kosovars who know or are learning English a chance to hear native English speakers, as well as learn about different movements and personalities in American history. The talk will be in English and last about a half hour. There will be a short question and answer period following the speech. All speakers' programs are open to the general public.

For more information, please contact the Public Affairs Office at USOP.