Women's Center FAQs
Below are the questions we are most frequently asked. If you
don't see the answer to your question, please contact us.
- Are men welcome?
-
This question gets at a major misunderstanding about
feminism. Of course men are welcome at the Women’s
Center. While our programming centers around women’s issues,
the Center is not a women-only establishment, but rather one that
is concerned with the equal treatment of women and men. Further,
men are not only welcomed, but are necessary to help end
gender-based discrimination. For information about how men
can get involved, check out the student organization called Men Acting for
Change (MAC).
- Does the Women’s Center co-sponsor events with others?
-
We welcome co-sponsorship opportunities with an emphasis on women’s
issues. If you are interested in requesting a co-sponsorship
by the Women’s Center, please submit a Co-sponsorship Request Form
(Word document) to the Program Coordinator. Please note that
co-sponsorship requests must be submited by the first Monday of the
month, and we will not consider requests for events that have
already passed so plan accordingly. Unless we are actively
involved in the planning of a co-sponsored event, typical financial
support is $200 or less.
- How can I reserve space in the Women’s Center?
-
Meetings and events are most commonly held in the Lower Lounge of
the Center. This space (which can comfortably hold 20-30
people) is available for use by student organizations, faculty,
administrators, and community members by completing
our contact form. Include your name, contact information
(including phone number), and organizational information.
Please also consider if you will need time before and after for
setting up and cleaning up any food or drinks that may be served or
rearranging the furniture. For weekend events, keys must be
picked up before 4pm on Friday. Reservations are accepted on
a first come, first serve basis with Women’s Center events given
priority.
- How do I request a program for my group?
-
To request a program on sexual assault prevention, contact
the Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) Assistant
Coordinator for more information or to schedule a
program. These engaging, challenging, interactive workshops
and discussion groups are presented by Sexual Harassment and Rape
Prevention (SHARP) peer educators working in conjunction with staff
and are available for all male, all female, or mixed groups.
Sample presentations that are routinely available include “Top Ten
Tips for Having a Good Relationship,” “Men Acting for Change:
Responding to Rape, Assault, Prejudice, and Exploitation,” “Close
to Home: Creating a Safer Social Environment at Duke,” among many
others. To request a program on broader gender issues, contact
the Program Coordinator to discuss your interests.
Programs can be tailored to meet the needs and interests of your
group, but all programs require an advance of at least two
weeks.
- What is the Women's Initiative and how is it related to the Women's Center?
-
The Women’s Initiative was born out of a yearlong study (2002-2003)
of the status of women at Duke. The results of this effort
were published in a final report that contains the recommendations
of the study to an ongoing President’s Commission on the Status of
Women. This Commission is meant to monitor the follow-up to
recommendations made by the study and pursue continued progress
with and discussion of issues presented by its findings. To
read about the Women’s Initiative, please see its official website:
http://www.duke.edu/womens_initiative.
Though the Women’s Center is not formerly affiliated with the
Initiative, the Center’s Director, Donna Lisker, served on the
Steering Committee that worked directly on the Initiative.
- What should I do if my friend or family member is sexually assaulted or in a violent relationship?
-
- Believe them
- Avoid asking judgmental questions(i.e. Why where you drinking so
much?). Instead, use non-blaming statements (i.e. No one deserves
to be abused.)
- Be a good listener
- Resist your urge to take control of the situation (he/she
already had that taken by the perpetrator)
- Encourage him or her to seek support
- Respect the individual’s privacy
- Get outside support for yourself
- Visit the Sexual Assault
Support Services (SASS) web site for more information and
resources
- Who are Baldwin Scholars and how do you become one?
-
The Baldwin Scholars program
is a new four-year program for undergraduate women at Duke.
The program is named in honor of Alice Baldwin, the founding dean
of the Women’s College, and includes curricular and co-curricular
components. The program’s focus is on leadership and the
development of female scholars’ critical thinking and problem
solving skills, personal awareness, and personal growth. The
program is designed to connect young women to a strong and
supportive network of peers and mentors. Women in any
academic field may apply in the fall of their first year. The
Baldwin Scholars office is located in 204 East Duke Building on
East Campus, 919-684-6579.
