The Penn Women’s Center (PWC)
The Penn Women’s Center (PWC), one of the nation’s oldest Women’s Centers, works with students, staff, and faculty of all genders to empower, support, and advance personal and professional development. PWC does so by partnering with student groups to advocate for and bring awareness to topics such as reproductive justice, workplace equity, and an end to sexual violence, discrimination, and harassment. The Center hosts events that promote gender justice and celebrate women leaders in their field, and offers a variety of services, including confidential options counseling. The Center is also a great place for students to rest and reset, hosting weekly tea events and offering a tranquil place to study.
Media Gallery
💕 Building Community at PWC Looks Like...
Relaxing
PWC hosts several drop-in programs such as weekly Game Nights, where you can play Mario Kart and Just Dance on the Nintendo Switch, and Friday Tea, perfect for a quick study break or meeting new people.
Finding Support
According to Elisa Foster, Director of the Center, PWC is a confidential resource for students navigating a myriad of interpersonal situations. Foster says, “We don’t provide counseling in the traditional therapeutic sense. We’re here to listen, validate an experience, answer questions, and then lay out the options that exist on- and off-campus to address whatever challenge or concern one may have.”
Gathering (Sustainably)
In addition to a warm and inviting space, PWC was awarded Penn’s top honor as a Level 4 Certified Green Office Space. This was due in part to their innovative Penn Environmental Education Kitchen (PEEK), which is a great place to cook, hang out, and organize events.
Including and Uplifting All Gender Identities
Foster shares, “A big part of what we have done in the last few decades has centered on gender equity, and inclusion of all gender identities. We want to make sure that, regardless of who you are, you know that you come into the Women’s Center and receive care and support...Especially including and uplifting our trans and nonbinary communities.”
Campus Map
