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The Women's Center also provides time and space
for individuals or groups to meet in a safe and supportive atmosphere;
the Center is open to everyone in the UNT community. The Center
works closely with student organizations, campus departments and
community agencies to offer dynamic programs that enhance the educational
experience of the campus community. Additional resources and services
contribute to the personal and professional development of all students.
Mission
 The
Women’s Center at the University of North Texas works to educate
members of the university community about gender issues and to advocate
for changes that will improve the lives of all men and women. We
are committed to the success and empowerment of women on campus.
The Center offers opportunities for personal and professional development
and promotes a broader understanding of the diverse experiences
of all women. The Women’s Center is both a place and a resource
available to all members of the University of North Texas community.
Objective
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Educate the campus community about issues
that relate to women.
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Encourage empowerment and self-esteem in
women.
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Serve as an advocate for women, educating
campus and community constituencies on gender-related issues
and the changing status of women in society.
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Encourage positive working relationships
between women and men.
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Promote programs and events that celebrate
the accomplishments of women.
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Maintain a visible, accessible facility
that provides a supportive and dynamic environment where individuals
can engage in dialogue, exchange information and ideas, and
take advantage of a wealth of information resources.
Provide information and referrals to on and off
campus resources that address issues such as scholarship and internship
opportunities, housing, childcare, women’s health, domestic
violence, and sexual assault.
In all of its activities, the Women's Center strives
to promote the awareness of racial, cultural and ethnic perspectives
both locally and globally. Programs reflect a wide range of viewpoints
about women's concerns and gender equality.
Women's Center - provides a welcoming and supportive
atmosphere for women to study, learn, communicate, and seek support,
information, advocacy, affirmation, and comfort.
Programs and Events
 The
University of North Texas recognizes that gender is a significant
aspect of individual identity, and that explorations of gender issues
must take place along side other areas of intellectual inquiry.
To that end, the Women’s Center offers programs that help
students, faculty and staff to explore issues relevant to women
in today’s society. It’s a safe and supportive environment,
open to everyone in the UNT community. Annual events and ongoing
programs include:
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Hispanic Heritage
Month
(Mid September through Mid October)
Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity
to focus national attention upon the contributions of the Hispanic
community to American society. By presidential proclamation, the
tributes and celebrations stretch from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15,
and include Dia de la Raza and the independence days of Mexico and
several Central American and Caribbean countries.
Each year Hispanic Heritage Month is observed by
increasing numbers of universities. Most of the activities help
to spread the word about Hispanic culture and individual and community
achievements. These observances accentuate the positive aspect of
Hispanic culture in a time when Hispanics are often portrayed negatively
by the media. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Women’s
Center will be working with the Multicultural Center in providing
programs that reflect the accomplishments of Latinas.
Program for Fall 2003 include:
- Latina Greeks: What is all about?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
(October)
Educating and creating awareness of women’s
health concerns and issues is a part of the Women’s Center
educational focus. In addition, we encourage awareness of and raise
funds for breast cancer research and education.
 Lee
National Denim Day, the world's largest single-day fundraiser for
breast cancer, is not just about raising funds, it's about raising
awareness. On one Friday in October, millions of people nationwide
think about breast cancer when they dress in the morning. By slipping
into their favorite jeans and making a $5 donation to the Susan
G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation,  denim-loving
Americans make a powerful statement, together we can raise millions
of dollars in a single day to help find a cure for breast cancer.
Last year total donations (2002) from the University of North Texas
was $934.05! This year our goal for 2003 is $1,500.
- Education Programs focusing on early detection and Survivor
stories
These sites offer additional information on various
aspects of breast cancer. The Women’s Center has no control
over the content of these sites. Each link opens in a separate browser
window. This list of resources is made available solely as a suggested
resource. Please note that it is not a complete listing of materials
or information available on breast health and breast cancer.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Generally, it is well known that no group, regardless
of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, political stance,
or lifestyle is free from domestic violence. People from any social
group can abuse or be abused.
Family violence results in injury and repeated
injury to adults, usually women, although not exclusively. These
are not "lover's quarrels". Child abuse may occur where
there is violence between the adults, or it may be a separate phenomenon,
perhaps participated in by both adults. Sexual abuse may be combined
with a violent situation, or it may be the primary issue. Elder
abuse is another form of family violence, which may or may not be
related to other forms.
As many as one third of women are physically assaulted
by a partner or an ex-partner in their lifetimes. The prevalence
of childhood sexual abuse in female clients is estimated to be 20-30%.
The long term effects of childhood abuse in terms of a patient's
mental and physical health are well documented. Studies indicate
that as many as 50% of women who were abused as children go on to
abusive relationships as adults.
Half of the women killed each year in the United
States (over 1500), are killed at the hands of an intimate partner.
Women are statistically more likely to be assaulted, injured, raped,
or killed by a current or ex-partner than by all other types of
assailants combined.
- Silent Witness Program
- Call to Protect
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The national DONATE A PHONE, CALL TO
PROTECT campaign collects wireless phones to benefits victims
of domestic violence. In the hands of a victims, these phones
are a lifeline enabling them to call for assistance when
faced with an emergency situation. The CALL TO PROTECT campaign
collects wireless phones to benefit victims of domestic
violence. Proceeds from the sale of phones help fund agencies
that fight domestic violence and are also used to support
the educational efforts of the Wireless Foundation. Other
phones are refurbished and become lifelines for domestic
violence victims when faced with an emergency situation.
Native American Month
The purpose of Native American Heritage Month is
to honor and recognize the original peoples of this land. As we
celebrate American Indian Heritage Month this year, we take note
of the injustices that have been suffered by American Indian people.
Even today, few enjoy the full bounty of America's prosperity. But
even as we look to the past, we must also look to the future. Now,
while recognizing the continuing contributions Native Americans
make to our country, we also celebrate the traditions and way of
life that is such an important part of our history and culture.
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the Women’s
Center will be working with the Multicultural Center in providing
programs that reflect the accomplishments of women.
——————————SPRING——————————
Black History Month
Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate
the key roles that African Americans have played in our country's
history. In recognition of Black History Month, the Women’s
Center will be working with the Multicultural Center in providing
programs that reflect the accomplishments of women.
Women of Color Seminar
Women leaders are creating new dialogues in many
realms, a dialogue that makes room for new voices to be heard. Voices
with ideas and resources to share, and not worn by time or tainted
by power, will help create better government and more citizen participation.
We hope you will share the experiences, knowledge, and expertise
in your time of leadership and join us for a wonderful day. Women
of Color Conference will be held on Friday, February 27, 2004. Registration
Deadline is Friday, February 6th.
Women’s History Month
(March)
A month long tribute to women’s accomplishments
and contributions. We sponsor lectures, exhibits, conferences and
other events that highlight great women of the past in order to
provide role models for the future, and promote an understanding
of women’s issues. Each year in March the Women’s Center
features programs and activities that celebrate the achievements
of all women.
- Tea on Tuesday
- Women in Leadership Day Luncheon
- Trip to Women’s Museum in Dallas Texas
- Trip to Cowgirl Museum in Fort Worth Texas
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
(April)
What is the Clothesline Project?
The Women's Center has participated in The Clothesline
Project since 1994. The Clothesline Project is a visual display
that bears witness to violence against someone. During the display,
a clothesline is hung with shirts. Each shirt is decorated to represent
at particular women's experience, by the survivor herself or by
someone who cares about her. The Clothesline Project provides an
opportunity for women to break the silence and bear witness to their
personal experience of violence, and celebrate their transformation
from victim to survivor in a powerful statement of solidarity.
What goes on the Clothesline?
Each t-shirt or garment on The Clothesline is decorated
by a woman survivor of violence to represent her experiences and
express her feelings. Shirts can also be made to remember a woman
who has been murdered. Each shirt tells an individual woman's story.
When displayed together, they are a powerful testimony about the
war being waged against women.
The Clothesline Project is about direct, personal
violence against women and shirts are color-coded for different
types of violence. We ask women to send in shirts, blouses or tee
shirts of durable material preferably with the following color code:
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White - for women who have died of violence;
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Yellow or beige - for women who have been
battered or assaulted
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Red, pink, or orange - for women who have
been raped or sexually assaulted
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Blue or green - for women who are survivors
of incest or child sexual abuse
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Purple or lavender - for women attacked because
of their sexual orientation.
You need not be an artist to create a moving, personal
tribute. Whether you choose to simply paint or sew elaborate embroidery
is up to you--any remembrance is appropriate. These colors are not
mandatory if a different color has special significance.
Take Back the Night Rally and March
Working with Denton County Friends of the Family
and other organizations, we aim to promote awareness of these issues
and provide support to survivors. In April, we sponsor and participate
in "Take Back the Night," a March and candlelight vigil
that remembers victims and celebrates survivors.
Suggested Reading List
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Berry, Dawn Bradley. Domestic Violence
Sourcebook. Los Angeles, CA, RGA Publishing Group,
Inc., 1995.
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Evans, Patricia. Verbal Abuse: Survivors
Speak Out. Holbrook, MA, Bob Adams, Inc., 1993.
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Jones, Ann. Next Time She'll Be Dead.
Boston, MA, Beacon Press, 1994.
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Lobel, Kerry, Editor. Naming The
Violence: Speaking Out About Lesbian Battering. Seattle,
WA, The Seal Press, 1986.
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Mariani, Cliff. Domestic Violence
Survival Guide. Flushing, NY, Looseleaf Law Publications,
Inc., 1996.
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Nicarthy, Ginny. Getting Free: A
Handbook For Women In Abusive Relationships. Seattle,
WA, The Seal Press, 1984.
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Nicarthy, Ginny; Karen Merriam; and Sandra
Coffman. Talking It Out: A Guide To Groups For Abused
Women. Seattle, WA, The Seal Press, 1986.
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Russell, Diana E. Rape In Marriage.
New York, NY, MacMillan, 1982.
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Schecter, Susan. Women And Male Violence.
Boston, MA, South End Press, 1983.
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White, Evelyn C. Chain, Chain, Change:
For Black Women Dealing With Physical And Emotional Abuse.
Seattle, WA, The Seal Press, 1985.
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Wsititz, Janet Geringer. Struggle
For Intimacy. Pompano Beach, FL, Health Communications,
1985.
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Zambrano, Myrna M. Mejor Sola Que
Mal Acompanada: For The Latina In An Abusive Relationship.
Seattle, WA, The Seal Press, 1985.
Women's Center Office
University Union 430
PO Box 305069
Denton, Texas 76203-5069
(940) 565-3527
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