Gender
Matters
The Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center strives to increase awareness
of the influence that gender has in our lives. We believe that ideas
about gender impacts personal happiness and fulfillment, interpersonal
relationships, educational and workplace environments and the culture
as a whole. Greater awareness encourages healthier and more conscious
living and fuels action for social and political change within society.
The Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center was established in 1978
to serve women and men; students, faculty, staff and the broader Nashville
community. We sponsor a wide variety of lectures, workshops, groups
and special programming to increase awareness and understanding of
gender-related issues and to promote gender equity. We offer the Vanderbilt
community a wide range of opportunities to broaden perspectives and
heighten sensitivity. Our goal is more equitable opportunities, true
choice and richer life experiences for all of us.
We are advocates for women.
We provide a dedicated space for women of all ages, ethnicities, sexual
orientations, and backgrounds to gather, support and learn from one
another. We seek to encourage individual empowerment, to foster creativity,
and to enhance a range of life skills. We also serve as a clearinghouse
for information about research and activities related to women at
Vanderbilt.
"Feminism" is about equity. It is about mutual respect,
access and opportunity. Webster’s dictionary defines a feminist
as "a person who advocates the social, economic and political
equality of women and men." According to bell hooks, it is about
bringing an end to all forms of sexism, exploitation and oppression.
This is a founding principal for the Margaret Cuninggim Women’s
Center. We advocate for inclusive policies and procedures throughout
the University and for equitable treatment of all women and men in
society at large.
We
are also advocates for men.
Our pursuit of gender equity includes men. Men also suffer from
constraints specific to gender. We acknowledge this and seek to
aid men in exploring how gender-based preconceptions may limit their
free expression and choice.
We also offer programming specifically intended to foster healthier
relationship patterns between women and men in social, educational
and professional environments. We invite men to be better and more
informed allies for women. And we provide the tools and information
women need to better support men in examining the ways that gender
may limit men’s lives.
In compliance with federal law, including the provisions
of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990, Vanderbilt University does not discriminate on the
basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin,
age, disability, or military service in its administration of educational
policies, programs, or activities; its admissions policies; scholarship
and loan programs; athletic or other University-administered programs;
or employment. In addition, the University does not discriminate
on the basis of sexual orientation consistent with University nondiscrimination
policy. Inquiries or complaints regarding these issues should be
directed to the Opportunity Development Officer, Baker Building,
Box 1809, Station B, Nashville, TN 37235. Telephone (615) 322-4705
(V/TDD); Fax (615) 343-4969. In compliance with federal law, including
the provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972,
Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Vanderbilt University does
not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national
or ethnic origin, age, disability, or military service in its administration
of educational policies, programs, or activities; its admissions
policies; scholarship and loan programs; athletic or other University-administered
programs; or employment. In addition, the University does not discriminate
on the basis of sexual orientation consistent with University nondiscrimination
policy. Inquiries or complaints regarding these issues should be
directed to the Opportunity Development Officer, Baker Building,
Box 1809, Station B, Nashville, TN 37235. Telephone (615) 322-4705
(V/TDD); Fax (615) 343-4969.
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