Director of Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center Shares Insight into Resources and Events
USAC welcomed Rory Dicker, Director of the Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center, at its December meeting. Currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Women’s Center was established in 1978 in response to recommendations from Chancellor Alexander Heard’s Commission on the Status of Women which was convened following the passage of Title IX, a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. Today, the Women’s Center, named for the first woman to be Dean of Student Services at Vanderbilt, serves as “an affirming space for women and for all members of the Vanderbilt community that actively resists sexism and all forms of oppression by providing resources and educational programming.”
During her presentation, Dicker spoke about the Center’s work addressing issues of feminism and gender equity. She also spoke to several misconceptions about the Center, clarifying that they do not provide medical services or directly address issues of power-based personal violence. Most importantly, all genders are welcomed to the space.
Staff are encouraged to take advantage of the Center’s offerings and resources on a range of topics including feminism, sexual health, salary negotiation, self-care and professional development, and the Breastfeeding Welcomed Here campaign. Staff can also get involved through annual awards that recognize individuals whose work promotes gender equity and contributes to the achievements, interests, and goals of women in the Vanderbilt community.
Dicker invites anyone with suggestions or questions to contact her at rory.dicker@vanderbilt.edu or the Women’s Center at womenctr@vanderbilt.edu. A video of Dicker’s presentation can be found via the USAC website and more information about the Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center can be found here.
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