An upcoming competition will give MSU women a chance to speak to thousands of their peers as part of a day of female recognition.

MSU’s Women’s Council will be sponsoring a poetry contest as part of their plans to celebrate the 81st International Women’s Day.

MSU will celebrate the day on campus eight days later than most of the world. The United Nations’ observance is March 8, which falls during MSU’s Spring break.

Communication senior Erika Nuerenberg, co-director of Women’s Council, is heading the organization of the contest.

“The contest is designed to be an empowering event for women, as recognition of the women who have gotten us this far and to make things better in the future,” Nuerenberg said.

Nuerenberg and other council members are hoping to spread a sense of pride to the MSU female community.

Women’s Council co-director Melanie Olmsted said the competition is a way to give women a forum.

“We want to give them an opportunity to express their thoughts and emotions in a positive way and the poetry contest gives that to them,” the international studies junior said.

Poems can be submitted starting Monday and will continue to be accepted throughout February.

Submissions can be turned in at the Women’s Council’s office in 441 Union and at the ASMSU office in 333 Student Services.

The poems should be between three and 10 lines and try to capture the essence of a modern, empowered woman, Nuerenberg said.

On March 16, the council will pass out thousands of carnations to women on campus in honor of the day. The winning poem will be attached to each carnation.

The poem will also be published in the Womens Resource Center’s newsletter, center director Patricia Lowrie said.

“So many times women don’t get an opportunity to be recognized for their contributions to society, and they fall into a pattern where they get overlooked,” Olmsted said, “And this day is a time where they can be recognized.”

Volunteers for Women’s Day events are welcome to contribute their help. Volunteers can contact the Women’s Council by e-mail at nuerenb1@msu.edu.