CSULB Women’s & Gender Equity Center

Mission

The Women’s and Gender Equity Center (WGEC) aims to foster women’s and gender equity among individuals of diverse identities and expressions through education, empowerment, advocacy, and community building grounded in social justice principles advocating for those impacted by gender-based oppression.

Vision

To create an environment that empowers and supports women and all gender identities, cultivating a culture of compassion, respect, and collective advancement.

Values

  • Education
  • Equity 
  • Community Building 
  • Empowerment 
  • Advocacy 

We Offer

  • An open space for study, small group meetings, or participating in social activities.
  • Computer stations, refrigerator, microwave, and light refreshments (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and snacks).
  • Printing for WGEC community members, that promotes WGEC to others, and follows WGEC on social media accounts.
  • Referrals to on-campus and the Greater Long Beach community resources for CSULB students and recognized student organizations.

History of WGEC

The evolution of the University Women’s Center (UWC) at California State University, Long Beach, began in the spring of 1976. Our visionaries, Rosemary Taylor and Linda Shaw, met with a group known as the Friends of the University Women’s Center to eliminate the disparity on campus for women support services. 

In 1977, the notion of filling a gap on campus became a reality, and the UWC officially opened its door and secured a location in LA3-104. Throughout the years, the UWC went through several transitions as a new support service on campus, and a decision to change the name of the center to the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) transpired in the late 80s, early 90s. 

In 2006 and under the direction of Lynne Coenen and Marcela Chavez, the WRC was awarded a federal grant through the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence against Women and supported the creation of Project Safe, a campus response initiative toward the elimination of sexual, domestic, relationship, and stalking violence. The mission of the center has been steadfast on issues that impact women, and over the years, evolved to be more inclusive.

In 2014, the WRC revitalized its name to the Women’s and Gender Equity Center (WGEC). After 30 years in LA3-104, the WGEC moved to the Student Success Center, 240, and revised its mission, vision, and values to expand its services to all gender identities and expressions.

All students, regardless of sex, race, color, national origin, or any other protected identity, who are interested in the program’s mission and focus, are welcome and eligible to participate in all Women’s & Gender Equity Center (WGEC) events and programs.

View Resource