” I hear the singing of the lives of women. The clear mystery, the offering and pride.” ~ Muriel Rukeyoer
The Women’s Center at Western Carolina University is designed to provide resources, support, and advocacy for women as they empower themselves and each other in their individual and collective pursuits.
It is a place where anyone, of any gender, can find helpful information on services available here on campus and in the community.
The center is a place where you will always find support and encouragement, as you become more engaged in social justice issues as leaders, allies and agents of change at Western Carolina University and in the world. Most important, though, the center furnishes a safe and comforting space in which to be accepted, affirmed, and heard.
During the month of March, the Women’s Center has a lot to offer the community through various activities to promote awareness of the women’s community and its environment:
Thursday, February 28th6:30 PM, Mt. Zion AME ChurchA Celebration of Women and Soul:Gather to share songs, stories, and a potluck supper with comfort food from many cultures as we celebrate the transition from Black History Month to Women’s History Month at WCU. Shuttle from UC available. $3 (bring a dish and get in free).Organized by WISE Women (Western’s Initiative to Support and Empower Women)
Monday, March 4thNoon, Alumni TowerEighth Annual Walk for Women:Dr. John Bardo presidingKeynote speaker: Darcell Grimes, news commentator, WLOS-TVA new focus for this year’s walk is fund raising, and participants are asked to bring at least a $1 donation to support a new sexual assault awareness program. The initial program is intended to advise peer advisors on how to mentor and refer individuals involved with acquaintance rape, sexual assault, and violence in relationships.
Tuesday, March 5th6:30 PM, Mountain Heritage Center Women’s Voices, Women’s Vision: Preserving Heritage, Expanding TraditionsPerformed as a special tribute to three remarkable women artists and national treasures, Poet Kathryn Stripling Byer, Balladeer Mary Jane Queen, and Cherokee Potter Amanda Swimmer. Reception following presentation.Organized by the Women’s Center, the Mountain Heritage Center, and the Cherokee Center.Open-Mic Night8 PM, Club Illusions, UCShare your talents in an evening of poetry and performance in celebration of women. Open to all. Prizes to audience favorites. Organized by WISE Women.
Friday March 8thWomen’s RoundtableNoon, 213 University CenterA brown bag lunch and open discussion of issues surrounding feminism, past, present, and future.Organized by the Women’s Center
Wednesday, March 204 – 6:30 PM, Chelsea Gallery, University CenterOpening Reception: No Ceremony – 1st Women’s Art InvitationalWorks by Western women students, faculty, and staff on exhibit through April 12. Featuring “The Dinner Party Project” by students in Joan Byrd’s Advanced Ceramics class. Organized by the Women’s Center
Tuesday. March 25thSafety Walk/ Take Back the Night RallyBeginning at 6:30 PM, UC LawnA campus wide effort to address safety concerns. Groups will walk the campus and return for a rally on the UC Lawn. Prizes for best participation, best banner, and more.Cosponsored by the Women’s Center and Student Government Association with assistance from a number of campus and community organizations.
