INDIANAPOLIS – Carole J. Jones, chairman of the National Panhellenic Conference, one of the largest organizations advocating for women, today issued the following statement in recognition of International Women’s Day and its 2021 theme #ChooseToChallenge:
“Panhellenic organizations were founded by young women who dared to advance their education at a time when that was not the norm it is today. When they did, they often found higher education environments unwelcoming and even hostile to their presence. In response, they formed women’s-only communities of mutual support to build their confidence and pursue their dreams.
“Over the decades, sorority women have continued to support other women, amplify their voices and advocate for a more inclusive world, whether that was fighting for a woman’s right to vote*, arguing in the courts against gender discrimination or holding elected office where they can enact legislation to improve the lives of women.
“Yet, despite all the progress women mark today, the work to forge a more inclusive and gender equal world is far from over. On this International Women’s Day, I remind every sorority woman how important it is to continue to choose to challenge instances of gender bias and inequality and to endeavor always to empower women and celebrate their achievements.”
*The National Panhellenic Conference acknowledges the 19th Amendment as an important step in women’s equality while also recognizing that it did not expand the right to vote to all women.
