About Us
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Our Mission
The UH Hilo Women’s Center confirms the dignity and diversity of all women. The center continues and challenges feminist traditions by creating community space for all women and their allies to achieve individual and social change. The UH Hilo Women’s Center honors historical struggles, fosters discussion of intergenerational, national, transnational and international views on feminism, and promotes open dialogue and activism. In our commitment to diversity at the UH Hilo Women’s Center we consider the intersectionalities of race, ethnicity, and indigeneity; genders and sexualities; and class, community activism, and feminism.
We work to challenge sexism, racism, ableism, ageism, classism, and other barriers that inhibit women's inclusion and power. The Center exemplifies diversity in its staffing, programs, research, community outreach, and transnational links.
Revised 12.27.2021
Our Vision
The UH Hilo Women’s Center encourages women to find their voices, develop leadership skills, initiate and participate in campus and community activist groups, and to share their knowledge and experiences with others. The UH Hilo Women’s Center provides a safe space, staff, and resources to encourage women’s involvement in all aspects of university life and to establish and extend connections with the Hilo community and beyond. We help the underrepresented find a voice and become leaders in our community.
We continuously network with the UH Hilo faculty/staff and the local community to improve leadership opportunities and quality of education that empowers and responds to the needs of the student by helping each one succeed and find a place in our ʻOhana. We aspire to make the Women’s Center a place where everyone can form coalitions to help women and/or the LGBTQ population. We hope for a safer campus climate that responds to needs in an efficient and effective manner. You can be the voice for change.
Our Goals
- Advocacy & Leadership- To empower women to reach their highest potential in their personal and professional lives.
- Collaborating & Networking- To build and foster connections among stakeholders for sustainable programming.
- Awareness & Education- To raise community consciousness of women's issues and inspire social change.
What We Do
The Women's Center is here to empower everyone at the university by engaging in dialogues about Social Justice, Intersections of Identity, and serving those who may be dealing with issues such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and hate crimes. We strive for equality on campus by:
Providing a “safe space” where students can talk story about their lives
Providing students with the help to find resources on-campus and in the community:
- Educational Materials about Women's Empowerment/Leadership
- Campus & Community Agencies and Organizations
- Free Condoms and Birth Control Information
Providing students with policies on-campus:
Providing students with leadership and empowerment
- Connecting students to leadership opportunities
- Providing students with educational and fun events: Women's Speed Mentoring, National Coming Out Week, Clothesline Project,Take Back the Night, and the Vagina Monologues, etc.
Providing students with the opportunity to give back to their community
- Opportunities to be an Intern (ALEX or through your Academic Department), Work, or become a Permanent Volunteer for the Women's Center
- Working with local organizations such as the American Association for University Women, Zonta, Neighborhood Place of Puna, East Hawaii Prosecutor's Office...
The Women's Center is here to serve all students who want to be part of the movement to create social change. If there is anything you need or need help with, do not hesitate to contact us at (808) 932-7381 or uhhwomen@hawaii.edu.
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
― Harriet Tubman