About 25 students and community members gathered yesterday at noon in celebration of worldwide women's unity and diversity.

The Multicultural Women's March was a positive-image campaign organized by the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA) in support of Women's History Month, which continues until the end of this month.

"We need to realize that there are many women around the world who are important, and touch individuals and Penn State community members," said FMLA Vice President Tatiana Diaz (senior-political science). "In a time of war, it's important to realize that we all have worth, no matter what heritage and background we come from."

Over the course of an hour, participants paraded around campus carrying posters of inspirational women from a variety of races, religions, decades and disciplines of feminist activism.

Colorful posters adorned with photos and quotations featured, among others, Holocaust icon Anne Frank, birth control advocate Margaret Sanger, political activist and musician Ani Difranco, and the women of Colombia.

The marchers departed from the steps of Old Main, stopping at Willard Building, Pattee Library, the Palmer Museum of Art and the HUB lawn to share the significance of their poster-women, relating personal anecdotes, reading feminist poetry and encouraging activism.

"We are not how we are defined; we are bigger than any one label," said Kathryn McClintock, a graduate program secretary in biology, while presenting her poster on Rebecca Walker, a "black, white and Jewish" feminist.

Many participants spoke of their conviction to feminist activism in the face of war.

"We need to make people aware of women's issues that are underrated and overlooked, especially with the looming war, because women are always the biggest victims of war," said Barbara Peragine, who works in the Office of University Development.

Some onlookers encouraged marchers with gracious grins, while others snickered at the march.

Larissa Nakoneczny (senior-psychology), who observed the event for a sociology class, said the march was small, but added that all movements must begin somewhere to gain momentum.

"It's a start," Nakoneczny said.

Marches like yesterday's, no matter how seemingly insignificant, are valuable and constructive, said Jaime Fenton (graduate-counseling psychology), graduate assistant in the Center for Women Students.

"It is a positive and affirming experience, particularly during a time of hostile war, to be together and encourage each other," Fenton said.