The Diablo Valley College Women’s Empowerment club and Latino Student Alliance held a campus vigil on March 10 in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Club members gathered near the DVC bookstore at 12:30 p.m. and displayed signs with statements such as “celebrate the strength of women” and “caution, empowerment zone ahead” written on them and they passed out flowers to women as they walked by.

Latino Student Alliance officer and WE DVC member Jackie Franco, 20, said their hope is that this simple act of kindness will make a person’s day.

“We’re passing them out so people can keep in mind that women are appreciated around campus,” she said.

The turn out for the vigil was smaller than members anticipated. After waiting for more people to show up, they continued on with the planned activities. Members took turns reading Maya Angelou’s poem “Phenomenal Woman” and a few people spoke.

The WE DVC Inter-Club Council representative Ashley Leung, 19, said she was appreciative for those who came to show their support.

“We are noticed,” she said, praising their vigil demonstration.

WE DVC member Sabrina Larez, 18, said, “No matter how small it’s great that we’re active. That we’re empowered.”

She explained how WE DVC strives for gender equality.

“Feminism is not about hating men,” she said. “I think it is often perceived that way. I want to change that.”

Forestry major Isa Dolan, 20, said he learned about the vigil from Facebook.

“It’s important all people are equal if we really want to advance as a society,” he said.

WE DVC president Andrea Corrigan, 23, said women have to stand in solidarity with one another.

“Love the women around you,” she said. “Support the women around you. Uplift the women around you.”

More information on Women’s History Month activities on the DVC campus can be found on the DVC website.