On March 30, we celebrate Women’s History Month, and recognize the importance and privilege we have at the Massachusetts Daily Collegian in celebrating and reflecting women’s achievements and milestones in recent history. The Collegian works to highlight women’s local stories, voices and contributions while providing a platform to honor past innovators and foster a more inclusive and complete history of leaders.
Our special issues serve as a spotlight on stories we have published throughout the semester on the topic. We would like to thank everyone who helped contribute to this special issue, whether they be students, MDC staff or community members. Women’s voices, ideas and achievements deserve to be heard, appreciated, understood and valued every day of the year. We hope to be able to continue telling these stories throughout the year.
Here are the stories of the 2026 Women’s History Month Spotlight.
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Get your hands off the fe-mail by Sally Mendelsohn
“Men have been waging a centuries-old war on the female voice. Whether it’s “unsavory” whisperings about sexual escapades or a cry for aid, female utterances are kept under ball and chain. So don’t let them be. Don’t exclaim when you want to state and assert. Period.”
Love, desire and fighting fetishization of Asian women in media by Grace Chai
Many people think that being desired is a good thing; that love is pure and beautiful. But is being loved a good thing when you’re constantly wondering if you’re being sexualized or if the admiration is true?
Flowers suck by Mak Amoako
Have you ever gotten a gift on a holiday and wondered “where are my flowers?” Don’t.
A legacy of success for UMass women’s lacrosse by Emma Bensley
“Since the fall of 2024, women’s lacrosse is one of just three programs at UMass that have made NCAA tournament appearances. The other two are the ice hockey and field hockey teams.”
Birth control being used as medication is holding back women’s healthcare by Grace Blawie
“When a symptom is common to so many different underlying causes, prescribing the symptom and not the cause does no lasting good. It masks without treating. And worse, it results in the decrease in urgency for a real cure.”
The Women of Color Leadership Network: A home away from home by Sydney Warren
“In 1993, WOCLN was established at the University of Massachusetts when it was formally called the women of color program. The name was changed in 1997 to include “leadership network.” WOCLN is a branch of UMass’ Center for Women and Community (CWC).”
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Check out some published stories from past years:
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month: The Special Issue
‘The Intersection: Untold Stories of Women of Color On the Move’ kicks off Black History Month with lessons and love
Mind the gender gap during Women’s History Month
