This year marks the 30th anniversary of the creation of the Penn Women's Center. Today, it plays a pivotal role on Penn's campus and, from its central location on Locust Walk, contributes a tremendous amount to this community.
But this wasn't always the case. In fact, had it not been for a strong group of female students, faculty and staff in the early 1970s, the Women's Center may never have come into existence.
The creation of the Women's Center -- one of the first of its kind in all of higher education -- was just one of the 10 demands presented to University administrators in 1973. And along with the other changes that were implemented, the center still thrives 30 years later.
Over the past few decades, the center has taken on various roles. It was one of the campus' first "hubs," a place where women could go to freely voice their concerns or to learn about the issues facing them and their peers. At a time when overt sexual harassment was almost commonplace on Penn's campus, the center was a haven that offered support and comfort for those who sought it.
During the times when crime rates were high and rape was a very real factor on campus, the Women's Center fought hard for better security and protection for victims. Even now, the annual Take Back the Night event increases awareness of sexual violence and serves to educate the Penn community to the danger that still very much exists.
The Penn Women's Center is every much as relevant as it was at its inception, and it is consistently recognized as one of the best centers of its type in the nation. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Ellie DiLapi, Gloria Gay and the countless other men and women who have fought over the last 30 years for the rights of women at Penn.
We congratulate the Penn Women's Center on their 30th anniversary, and we hope that there will be many more reasons to celebrate in the future. This campus is truly a better place for its presence.
