By Justine Sanchez, April 15, 2025
Women today face a variety of challenges, such as the constant need to maintain a balance between their personal and social responsibilities as well as gender imbalances in the workforce.
During these times, a community such as the Cal Poly Pomona Womxn’s Resource Center provides essential support by offering a secure and empowering environment where women can obtain resources suited to their individual needs.
“I’ve been belittled within my own major, but the Womxn’s Resource Center wants to highlight us and highlight our achievements and wants to set us up for even more success,” said Afnan Jaber, a business administration student.
The Womxn’s Resource Center promotes the development of a supportive community that encourages women to succeed, whether they are dealing with challenging personal situations, looking for career guidance or in need of academic resources.
Many students like Darani Cervera, a political science student, see the center as a refuge.
“Having a Womxn’s Resource Center on campus is essential because it creates a safe, inclusive space where all women feel seen, supported and empowered,” Cervera said.
Creating a feeling of community, Cervera said, in a setting that can occasionally feel stressful, or excluding, is extremely important, particularly for those who feel under pressure from society.
The center provides support and resources that empower students in all aspects of life. WRC provides counseling services, workshops and mentorship programs, encouraging personal development in addition to providing helpful advice.
A center such as this fosters a positive environment where women can achieve their academic and professional goals by bringing them together with people who have gone through similar challenges in today’s world.
Students who are active in the center’s social justice leader positions help fellow students with academic and personal growth, but for many students who take on the leadership role, according to marketing and international business students Ala Elkambari, the position is a means for empowerment and self-improvement.
“Being a social justice leader gave me the opportunity to put my voice out there, and it taught me how important my voice is and how valued I am within this position,” Elkambari said.
Elkambari also said the WRC offers many services and programs, like collaboration workshops with Womxn Leadership Institute and Student Parent Support Group, that help students navigate campus life and develop a strong sense of community.
The center also offers gender inclusive restroom, lactation space, free tampons, pads and condoms. These supplies, along with a range of other services, fall under their five main focuses community, support, resources, identity development and education.
Image feature courtesy of Justine Sanchez
