About CWGE

Body
Image
words matter

Our Mission

The Center for Women & Gender Equity creates an inclusive space where every member of the SMC community-all genders, bodies, sexual orientations, racial, spiritual, nationalities, ethnic identities-can seek education, support, dialogue, and engagement around issues of gender equity, identity, intersectionality and inclusion. 

Our Vision:

We believe in the dignity of the human person. We envision a community committed to social justice and gender equity, that is free from violence and oppression. We believe this work must intentionally be intersectional and must be done in tandem and in connection with efforts to address and dismantle racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, trans-phobia and other forms of oppression. We strive toward greater gender and multicultural balance, engagement in respectful dialogue and discourse and a more inclusive community.  

Our Philosophy:

The CWGE is committed to empowering people of all gender identities and of all backgrounds to succeed. We celebrate the whole person and embrace the intersectionality identities of all and encourage all members of the campus community regardless of gender identity to visit our space and tap into our programming. We work collaboratively with departments and centers across campus to ensure that we can meet the needs of the community in a holistic way through programs, advocacy, referrals and support. Our services compliment but do not replace the services of CAPS. In the spirt of meeting members of our campus community where they are, we offer a blend of in-person, hybrid and virtual programs, as well as a weekly coffee & connection hour. 

 

Students who engage regularly in the Center's programs will be able to… 

  • Understand the concept of gender equity and recognize examples of gender inequity. 
  • Understand the concept of intersectionality and be able to explain the connection and relationship between gender, racial and other forms of justice/prongs of identity. 
  • Identify red flags in unhealthy relationships and traits of healthy relationships. 
  • Define coercion, consent and sexual assault. 
  • Develop an awareness of diverse identities related to sexual orientation, gender, and familial roles. 
  • Explore the relationship between external influences, body image and self identity. 
  • Differentiate an ally from a bystander.
  • Engage in discourse and dialogue about identity and differences.