The Center is an academic unit at the University. As many as 100 students a year work at or take courses through the Center, gaining practical and academic insight into the mechanics of reform.
Who We Are
Our Mission: Creating change.
The University of Virginia Women’s Center educates U.Va. students to create change in self, community, and the world by providing programs and services that advocate gender equity.
The Women’s Center’s mission is education, in the broad sense that Thomas Jefferson envisioned it: the Center teaches students how to create powerful and positive change, in themselves, in their communities, and in their world. This University tradition has been supported by the Women’s Center since its founding in 1989.
Educating Students in How to Create Change
From wide-ranging mentoring initiatives in the areas of Diversity and Advocacy to involvement in the publication of Iris: a Magazine for Thinking Young Women, the five core programs of the Women’s Center provide academic courses linked to experiential learning. New resources will enhance these and other Women’s Center programs, fund fellowships and scholarships, and renovate the Center’s historic home on the U.Va. Corner.
Putting U.Va. at the Forefront of Solving Problems That Affect Women
There has been an increasing demand for the Center’s Sexual and Domestic Violence Services to reduce violence and provide strong support to victims. In addition to our Counseling Services, the Center has also begun new educational and outreach programs such as the Eating Disorders Initiative, to address other problems affecting women.
Shaping Students as Global Citizens
The Center’s initiatives include global study abroad courses, seminars with international women, and challenging internships and conferences focused on bringing the world to students, and students to the world—all of these are a natural extension of the remarkable undergraduate experience at the University.
The U.Va. Women’s Center Gives all Those who Support Women a Voice
The Women’s Center is inclusive. We are committed to diversity in every aspect of our programs, in every staff choice, and in all of our outreach. We strive to introduce our students to a variety of cultures and thought. Both men and women work at and are helped by the Center.
We seek widespread involvement and avoid divisive political stands. We are here in support of all people whose opinions are rooted in respect for others.
For more information, please contact us.