Students sell feminine-themed cupcakes during the International Women's Week festivities at UCSI University.

Students read about prominent women of the past 100 years at an exhibit during UCSI University's International Women's Week festivities.

Students dance during the opening ceremony of International Women's Week at UCSI University.

Kuala Lumpur, 08 Mar, 2011 - It was a time to celebrate all things female during UCSI University’s International Women’s Week festivities. The University’s Social Science and Liberal Arts Association (SSLAA) organised “Architects of the Century,” a several-day event celebrating important women throughout the past 100 years and creating awareness on current women’s issues. The event took place throughout the University’s south wing at its Kuala Lumpur campus and included talks on empowering women and health, as well as talks by Malaysian author Lydia Teh and Slovenian artist Tjasa Iris. It also included an exhibit featuring prominent women throughout history including political figures Hillary Clinton and Benazir Bhutto, entertainers Lucille Ball and Ella Fitzgerald and pioneers Amelia Earhart and Clara Barton. 

“Our goal is to create awareness about acknowledging women’s suffrage, achievements and contributions to the world,” SSLAA Advisor Ken Choong, a lecturer in the School of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts said. 

In addition to the talks and exhibits, the event included a breast cancer exhibit by MAKNA National Cancer Council to educate people on women’s health. The event also offered flowers, manicures, make-up and feminine-themed cupcakes for sale to raise money for the organisation. 

This year celebrates the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Week, but first-year student Nandini Balakrishnan said women still had a long ways to go. 

“Discrimination against women is found throughout the world, but it’s more prominent in Asia,” she said. “We’re still trying to break the glass ceiling.”

The event is an example of UCSI University’s commitment to instilling graduate attributes of ethical and civic responsibility and becoming engaged global citizens to its students. 

Third-year student Koh Jun Lin said he was glad to show his support for women.

“Now we are fighting for equal rights,” he said. “I think it’s something worth fighting for.”