The Women and Gender in Global Perspectives Program (WGGP) celebrated its 30th anniversary Friday with a lunchtime concert at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

The audience heard the singing of graduate student Jackline Madegwa while the organization that usually deals with very serious topics, took time to celebrate three decades of accomplishments.

WGGP focuses on issues of women and gender equity as well as global human security and basic needs including freedom from violence, land right and healthcare. It brings together faculty, graduate students, and the broader community to discuss the issues and provide help for women through research and funding.

The organization began in 1980 after a writing about how women in developing countries were not always receiving their rights and any equity whatsoever sparked a great interest.

“People became aware that women in developing countries were getting hurt and the organization was created to help these women,” said director Gale Summerfield stated. Summerfield, who is in her twelfth year as the director of the organization said she was excited about the events and programs the WGGP will be hosting this year.

“The symposium on November 4th will be one of our biggest events, with former students and directors coming back to attend as well various guest speakers,” Summerfield said.

These symposiums focus on engaging people in discussion and trying to build the research component of the program. Summerfield said the organizations research and funding have helped bring things, such as healthcare and employment access, to women not just globally but nationally.

Various scholarship opportunities for graduate students are also available through the WGGP. Madegwa was a recipient of Barbara Yates International Research Award last year after writing a paper on how her music could help the low income families in Kenya.

“It is a very amazing program because they do train people who are interested in especially helping women in our society and developing countries,” Madegwa said.

The organization offers scholarships and trainings for people who go to other countries to make a difference. Madegwa sang a mix of international songs in honor of the global aspect of WGGP.

“This organization has helped me realize what I want to do in my life which is helping low income families from my own country,” Madegwa, who is originally from Kenya, said.

The program director for WGGP, Anita Kaiser is in her fifth year of involvement with the program.

“We are part of an international program that has done a lot for women in its thirty years of existence,” Kaiser said. “The Graduate Library has opened up a wonderful timeline on the program’s history in the north/south corridor.”

The WGGP will be hosting numerous public events this year as they celebrate their 30th anniversary of helping women attain a better lifestyle.