The month of March is recognized as Women’s History Month in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and many other countries around the world. Women’s History Month originated in the United States as National Women’s History Week, from the efforts of a syndicate of women historians and groups lobbying for national recognition. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 2-8 as National Women’s History Week with the following proclamation.

“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” – President Jimmy Carter (39th President, 1977 – 1981)

National Women’s History Week was promoted to Women’s History Month when the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month” in 1987. Women’s History Month quickly became recognized internationally to celebrate women’s contributions to culture, history, and society as a whole.

At Avalon University School of Medicine, we are proud to celebrate Women’s History Month and recognize the strong, intelligent women who are part of our faculty and administration. To begin showcasing some of the fantastic women within the Avalon Family for this historic month, please allow us to introduce you to the First Lady Chancellor of Avalon University, Mrs. Rehana Fatteh.

Mrs. Rehana Fatteh

Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I’m passionate about my family and relationships with all my family members.

Q: What are your favorite hobbies?
A: I love to paint, make artistic decorative pieces, henna paintings, shopping and makeup.

Q: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
A: My greatest accomplishment is raising two caring and loving kids. Oh, three kids (including my dear husband) – All in good fun, Dr. Fatteh!

Q: What influential woman in history do you most admire and why?
A: As a young person, Jacqueline Kennedy impressed me the most by a combination of her simplicity, elegance, and style.

Q: What do you love most about Avalon University?
A: The thing I love most about Avalon University is its combination of empathy and feeling of a big happy family.

Q: What has been your best experience so far in relation to Avalon University?
A: When I come to Curaçao, I love to spend time in the faculty lounge of the school, interacting with teaching and non-teaching staff. Similarly, I’m always welcome when I visit the Ohio office.

Q: Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for current and future Avalon students?
A: My advice to all students is to study hard, manage your time, and balance your life by cultivating a hobby of your choice.

We, here at Avalon University, would like to encourage all to take a moment to reflect on the inspiring women throughout history who helped shape the world we live in today.

If you are interested in learning more about Women’s History Month,

please visit the links below.

Meaningful Ways You Can Celebrate Women’s History Month

Expand Your Knowledge: Women’s History Month

A Guide to Women’s History Resources at the Library of Congress