The Centre for Women and Trans People* is designated as a safe space for women on campus. While we are student volunteers, not trained counsellors, we are a referral service, which means that we can provide women or trans people in distress with contact information for crisis management centres and other trained counselling organizations. If someone comes to the Centre in distress, we will empty the Centre, close the door, and ensure that the person receives the help they need.
The Centre for Women and Trans People* is a library.
Our books are catalogued under the Primo library system, which means that if you are searching for gender-themed books and journals at the Laurier library, you will probably be referred to the CWT Circulation Desk. This means you just have to stop in at the CWT (see the Contact Us menu option for directions and hours) and we will sign out your books for you. Library materials will be loaned to you for the same amount of time as all other Primo items; our journals may not be signed out, but we are happy to let you (legally) photocopy the pages you need. We also have a growing library of VHS tapes, DVDs and CDs, which we would welcome you to watch at the Centre for school or for pleasure.
The Centre for Women and Trans People* aims to raise awareness of women’s and gender issues on campus.
In keeping with this mandate, we put on several events and campaigns every year. Past event have included the Take Back the Night march, the Clothesline Project, the December 6th Memorial Service, Eating Disorder Awareness Week, International Women’s Week, and the Vagina Monologues. Watch for news about these events or contact us if you’d like to help.
The Centre also provides speakers or workshops for many different groups on campus. If you would like a CWT representative to come speak to your floor, athletic team, student group, etc. about sexual assault prevention, gender issues, feminism, providing a safe space for women, or anything else that you think might relate, send us an email at womenscentre@wlu.ca!
The Centre for Women and Trans People* is a place to hang out!
What people sometimes forget is that the Centre exists as an open, non-judgmental space for students to hang out and chat! You don’t need to be a volunteer to spend time in the Centre - anyone is welcome to bring their lunch or homework or just hang out and talk! Women, men, and individuals of any gender identity are welcome.
