In 1997, Jennifer Orr, who was president of the Women’s Student Union, decided to create Women’s Awareness Week at Georgia Tech. Sixteen years later, the celebration doesn’t end after a week — it has grown to fill a month.

“I can’t imagine that there is a single person on campus who doesn’t care about heart health, gender-based violence or giving back to the community,” said Melanie De Maeyer, coordinator of the Women’s Resource Center. “And these issues are highlighted throughout the month’s events. This celebration is a fantastic way to show women on campus that they are valued and that issues that matter to them matter to us all.”

The month’s events kick off on March 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tech Walk, where members of the campus community can visit informational tables and participate in Zumba and cardio kickboxing demonstrations during the afternoon.

The community is also invited to participate in Women’s Day of Service on March 3, where participants typically volunteer their time at area soup kitchens or animal shelters.

One highlight of this year’s celebration will take place on March 5 when Margaret Edson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Wit,” will speak at 4:30 p.m. in room 144 of Clough Commons. (Anyone interested in attending is also invited to attend a screening of “Wit” on Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. in room 371 of the Skiles Building.) “Wit” focuses on a renowned professor who is dying of ovarian cancer.

This year, the Take Back the Night event on March 15 at 7 p.m., which usually draws a crowd of about 800, will return to the Campanile. During the event, a candlelight vigil and program will be held to honor survivors of sexual assault.

Other events include:

• The Clothesline Project: March 12-16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Tech Walk. A display of shirts made by and for women who are survivors or victims of gender-based violence.
• Red Dress Fashion Show: March 27, 7:30 p.m., Student Center Ballroom. A fashion show to raise awareness about women’s cardiac health.

Questions? Email De Maeyer.