Women's Center Hosting EmpowerHER Week Starting Sept. 22

MACOMB, IL – The Western Illinois University Women’s Center invites students, faculty, staff and community members to take part in EmpowerHER Week, a celebration of solidarity, creativity and community happening Monday, Sept. 22 through Friday, Sept. 26, at the Multicultural Center (MCC).

Throughout the week, the Women’s Center will host events designed to raise awareness, build confidence and bring the campus community together.

“We’re so excited for EmpowerHER Week, each event is made to celebrate solidarity, creativity and community and we can’t wait for students to experience it all,” Women’s Center Graduate Assistant Patience Thomas said.

The week begins 4-6 p.m. Sept. 22, with Walk a Mile in Her Shoes at the Campus Mall. Participants will walk in high heels to raise awareness of gender-based violence, with a resource fair beforehand featuring campus and community organizations offering support and advocacy.

From 1-4 p.m. Sept. 23, the Capture Confidence Photoshoot invites students to step in front of the camera, celebrate their individuality and pose for professional-style portraits against fun, creative backdrops.

Community takes center stage 6-8:30 p.m. Sept. 24, with Late Night Breakfast with NACWC & BSA in the MCC Multipurpose Room. Guests can enjoy breakfast favorites in the evening while connecting with peers and celebrating with members of the National Association of Colored Women’s Club, Inc. (NACWC) and the Black Student Association (BSA).

The celebration concludes 4:30-6:30 p.m. Sept. 26, with a Guided Paint & Sip led by artist and speaker Taylor Cox. This creative session will bring participants together for an evening of art, reflection and connection, with food, light refreshments and optional beverage purchases for ages 21 and older.

“EmpowerHER Week is all about uplifting one another and I’m thrilled to see students come together to connect and express themselves,” Women’s Center Graduate Assistant Elizabeth Oyeniyi said.

The WIU Women’s Center supports a welcoming and gender-inclusive campus community. By advocating for gender equity, celebrating women and fostering opportunities for connection, the Center creates spaces where students can thrive and feel valued.

Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to attend and be part of EmpowerHER Week.

For more information, contact the Women’s Center at womenscenter@wiu.edu.