Why are women's centers still needed?

Research demonstrates that colleges and universities still fall short of true gender equity, despite women students being the numerical majority on most campuses.  The campus climate is still chilly, particularly for women with multiple marginal identities.  "Women's centers reflect the unique needs of their institutions and communities, yet share a commitment to historically underserved individuals and groups.  Additionally, women's centers play a leadership role in understanding the changing workplace and preparing members of the University community to engage successfully with an increasingly complex world.  Women's centers are integral to transforming institutions into inclusive environments; through community-building, advocacy, education, support, and research, they encourage the full participation and success of women" (Ohio Women's Centers' Statement of Philosophy, 2009).

What is gender equity?

Gender equity in an educational setting means an equal chance at learning for all genders, with open options to learn subjects and prepare for future education, jobs and careers without expectations based on gender. Equal encouragement for all to develop, achieve and learn is essential equitable treatment and is required by law. Gender equity principles also apply in the workplace and affect staff and faculty.

What does Miami's Women's Center do?

The Women's Center focuses its efforts on supporting women and engaging the campus in understanding women's and gender issues.  More specifically, it serves the campus community by providing space, resources and programs--space for meetings, studying, reading and relaxing; resources like books and computers; and programs and events like the Women's Leadership Celebration, Women of Color Celebration, Women's Read-In (in partnership with University Libraries) and the Clothesline Project.

What's the difference between the Women's Center and the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program?

The Women's Center and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGS) Program have distinct, yet complementary, missions. WGS Studies is an academic program offering a minor, major and graduate concentration. The Women's Center is a support program. Both programs provide learning opportunities and support and advocacy for women, bring women together to build community, and place women at the center of inquiry and action. Both programs have a long history of working together to transform the curriculum, the campus enviroment and society at large.

Why isn't there a men's center?

Starting in the 1960s, campus women's centers began to be established thanks largely to the efforts of women faculty, staff, and students who wanted their institutions to be better places for women to live, work, and learn.  Women's centers have since evolved to be spaces for all genders to address gender equity issues.  Some have even changed their name to women's and gender centers to reflect this broader perspective.  On a few campuses, men have advocated for their own spaces, but most campus women's centers welcome men and find ways to address men's issues in the context of their work in behalf of women.  Many men actively support the work of women's centers.

Can men get involved in Miami's Women's Center?

Definitely!  The Women's Center welcomes the participation of all genders in making the campus a better place for women to live, work and learn. 

"Being in the Women's Center I am able to surround myself with strong, confident women who share my commitment to social justice and equality." (Josh)