Multicultural Center

History of the Women's Center

Founded in 1986 after the members of the Western Organization for Women established that there was a need for a physical space for women to gather for meetings, educational and cultural programs, and social events, as well as to access such resources as might be housed in such a center, the Women’s Center originally was located in two classrooms in Sallee Hall (a three-story academic building with no windows). In 1995 the center was relocated to four rooms in Memorial Hall (a five-story academic building, which originally was built as the University Library); and, in 1999, it was moved to Seal Hall (an old three-story residence hall with double-loaded corridors and no elevator) where it occupied eight rooms on the third floor of the east wing. Although the installation of an elevator in the building subsequently made it physically accessible to people with mobility impairments, the center still was not in a visible, high-traffic location and is not conducive to students and others stopping by to use the lounge and computers or to attend meetings and programs.

Over the years, several proposals had been submitted for the relocation of the center to a more central, accessible location on campus with more adequate space that is more suitable and appropriate for provision of the center’s programs, resources and services. The Multicultural Center (MCC) opened in August 2009, where the Women’s Center was moved to accomodate the needs of students and is now housed on the second floor of the MCC. The Women’s Center celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2016.

The Western Illinois University Women’s Center supports a welcoming and gender-inclusive campus community. Student development is at the core of our work. We advocate for gender equity through examinations of feminisms, sexism, patriarchy, and misogyny. We lead the campus community in explorations of how gender is a social construction that influences power dynamics, and intersects with all other identities, such as, but not limited to: ability, age, citizenship status, ethnicity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic class. We promote opportunities to celebrate women, collaborate in programming and outreach, and seek unity and understanding.

The Women's Center Seeks to:

  • address the distinctive needs of the women of WIU
  • recognize, celebrate, and promote awareness among women, and people of all gender identities, of the multicultural realities of women's lives, particularly with regard to race, age, class, sexual orientation, religion, and ability
  • help women develop positive self-concepts, as well as skills and strategies needed to function effectively in society
  • increase awareness of the unique needs and concerns of women
  • build a sense of community and identity among women
  • provide information about and referrals to local resources in such areas as women's health, education, finance, and employment
  • advocate for female students and employees in the university community
  • increase awareness among of women's contributions to society
  • assist anyone who wants to help create a world in which all people have equal opportunities at home, at school, in the workplace, and society

Mission

The Western Illinois University Women’s Center supports a welcoming and gender-inclusive campus community. Student development is at the core of our work. We advocate for gender equity through examinations of feminism, sexism, patriarchy, and misogyny. We lead the campus community in explorations of how gender is a social construction that influences power dynamics, and intersects with all other identities, such as, but not limited to: ability, age, citizenship status, ethnicity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic class. We promote opportunities to celebrate women, collaborate in programming and outreach, and seek unity and understanding.