Women have made great strides in the battle against gender inequality, but inequity still exists today. Gender violence, economic inequality and equal representation in government are some examples of issues that are still relevent. The pay gap between men and women exists in every country in the world. Every 1 out of 5 women will be sexually assaulted in their life. No woman has ever been elected as President of the United States. The Women's Center is about justice and social change.

We provide resources, educational materials and place to get involved in women's issues.

The Women's Center is a place for women... where the environment is supportive and comfortable for women, where issues that women care about are in the forefront.

Also, the Women's Center is about celebration! Honoring inspriational women in our lives and in the past who have made a difference is an important part of our mission.

This is a common question, and a very good one. Why would someone want to devote their limited time to an issue that doesn't seem to be something men have to deal with?

The answer starts with the women we love. Did you know that based on the number of sexual assaults that are reported, 1 in 4 women will be assaulted in their lifetime. Now consider that perhaps half of all assaults are reported. Think about the women in your life... you know and love women who have been victimized by other men. Sisters, mothers, friends, partners, future children... Make you angry too? Here are some things specifically can do.

For ways to get directly involved on campus, Men Against Violence (MAV) focuses on creating an equitable campus and community free of violence. As part of that mission, they promote healthy relationships based on equality and respect rather than power and control, encourage positive, healthy expressions of masculinity, and being visible outspoken allies for all who experience prejudice and discrimination on our campus and in our community.

Men As Partners in Promoting Equality is a student group affiliated with the MAV. In addition to fun events and fundraisers, they meet weekly to discuss what it means to be a man, how to be an ally in struggles for equality, and how to make PLU a safer place for everyone. Meetings are each Friday at 4pm in the Women's Center living room.

Men are a valauble and necessary assest in the women's movement!

PLU students are notoriously over-extended... sound familiar? How can you be involved if you don't have time to make it to many events?

Start by making it to as many events as you can... the greater the numbers the more visibility we have. E-mail womencen@plu.edu to join the Women's Center conact list and receive updates on upcoming events. Talk to your friends about gender inequality and why you think it is important work. Drop by the Women's Center and get a tour. Volunteer an hour a week at the center, start by filling out the application! Speak up when a sexist joke is told. Do a project on a women's issue in class. Join the Women's Center's Facebook fan page. Ask your RA or professor to have the Women's Center present or do a program - maybe a film in your hall?

Have an idea but aren't sure where to go with it? Let us know and we'll try to help make it happen!