In conjunction with Women’s History Month, a nationally known legal and political commentator will speak tonight about the role of women in society.

Susan Estrich, a professor of law and political science at the University of Southern California, will be giving a lecture titled “Sex and Power” at 8 p.m. in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.

“She is known for approaching the issues of the day by fusing intellectual notions with their practical applications,” said Dianne Bystrom, director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center. “She’ll have a very powerful message with an entertaining delivery.”

Estrich was the first woman ever to run a national presidential campaign and has written several books including “Sex & Power.”

Bystrom said Estrich’s lecture will discuss not only her new book, but also the role of women in society, mainly in politics. Estrich will use examples from her own life to help explain these points.

One of these experiences during past elections was calling one of the candidates to discuss the role of women in his campaign, Bystrom said. Throughout her own career, Estrich has paved the way for countless women to attain positions of leadership, she said.

“We are really excited for her to come speak,” said Pat Miller, coordinator for the Committee on Lectures. “She is very knowledgeable on the subject and a really dynamic speaker.”

The lecture is sponsored by the Lectures Committee, along with the Carrie Chapman Catt Center, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center, the Department of Political Science, the Women’s Studies program and the YWCA of Ames/ISU.