Students will be rallying at noon today to celebrate the annual National Young Women's Day of Action on the steps of Pattee Library to encourage young women to get involved in social activism.

Upholding the theme of the rally, "Voices, Power, Choices," members of the Penn State campus community will speak at the rally.

They will address topics such as the history of young women and social action, sexual assault and Penn State, and reproductive rights.

Among the speakers is Lori Ginzberg, associate professor of history, and Jennifer Solt, director of the department of women's affairs in the Undergraduate Student Government.

"Standing together we can achieve anything we want, just like women achieved the right to vote," Solt said. "By participating, the women on this campus will realize there are groups out there for them."

The NYWDA is sponsored by Womyn's Concerns, a student group that supports people working against sexism, and a host of other community organizations said Lynn Thompson, co-director of Womyn's Concerns.

"Students at this university have a lot of power, but much of it goes unused.

If this event can make women aware of their own personal power and cause them to act for social justice causes, then I believe the event has accomplished its goal," said Jennifer Barberio, secretary of Womyn's Concerns.

The NYWDA is a grassroots campaign organized by and for young women.

This day commemorates the death of Rosie Jiménez in 1977.

She was the first known young woman to die from an illegal abortion after federal Medicaid funding for abortions was denied for women.

NYWDA is a two-part day of action and will also include a feminist open mic night at 9 p.m. today at Webster's Bookstore Café, 128 S. Allen St. Young women can voice their thoughts and concerns on feminism and related issues at this event.

"It is incredibly powerful for a woman to express herself honestly out loud," said Alyssa Pinsker (senior-philosophy), coordinator of the open mike night.

Women are invited to read poetry, talk, or deliver prepared speeches on why they are or are not a feminist, Pinsker added in an e-mail.

"Voices is essential to Penn State especially at this time with the climate towards women as hostile as it is right now, with the recent assaults, the harassment and the new addition of Hooters," she said.

This is an opportunity not only to activate women about a reproductive rights agenda, but also a chance to emphasize issues. These topics include racial and economic justice, welfare policies, rights to exist as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, accessible healthcare, freedom from violence and quality education.

Jessica Harvey (junior-history), a member of Womyn's Concern's said, "This would be a great opportunity for people to come out and celebrate being politically active."