About Us
We believe in our motto -- A world that is good for women is good for everyone.™
The Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) is an academic research and action institute at Wellesley College that is focused on women and gender and driven by social change.
Our Vision
We envision a world of justice, peace, and wellbeing for women and girls, children and youth, families and communities, in all their diversity around the world.
Our Mission
Our mission is to advance gender equality, social justice, and human wellbeing through high-quality research, theory, and action programs.
Our Theory of Change
Former executive director Layli Maparyan, Ph.D., explains WCW’s theory of change.
Our NGO Status
WCW received NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council for the United Nations in 2001. This standing allows WCW to designate official representatives to a wide range of UN meetings held around the globe, including the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
Our Funding
Our work is sustained by funding from federal, state, and local government agencies, private foundations, the Centers’ endowment (managed by Wellesley College), and the generosity of individual donors committed to social change. WCW receives essential infrastructure, facility, and governance support from Wellesley College.
Wellesley Centers for Women and Wellesley College
Along with the Madeleine Korbel Albright Institute for Global Affairs and the Hillary Rodham Clinton Center for Citizenship, Leadership, and Democracy, WCW is part of Wellesley College’s Wagner Centers for Wellesley in the World. The Wagner Centers are a hub and catalyst for research and global solutions, especially on critical issues related to women, democracy, and gender equity.
WCW provides meaningful research experiences for Wellesley College students through paid internships and research assistant positions. WCW also employs Wellesley students in administrative support roles, and some research scientists and project directors at WCW teach courses at Wellesley College.
WCW offices are a part of the Wellesley College campus. We recognize the many Indigenous peoples who have rich histories on this land, and we acknowledge the many Indigenous people who live, work, and study at Wellesley and in Massachusetts. Read the official Wellesley College Land Acknowledgment.
