The Circle of Sisters Women’s Leadership Program, gender identity seminars, a Take Back the Night March, and free self-defense classes are among the offerings of the campus Women’s Center this spring.

Applications are now available for the leadership program and the Take Back the Night March occurs April 14.

Eye2Eye, the self-defense class offered to female students on campus, is a part of a program that raises rape awareness and empowers women to prevent rape. “I see Eye2Eye as a way for women to feel empowered, boost their self-esteem, and provide an avenue for physical fitness,” said Chimi Boyd, the center’s director.

The Women’s Center opened its doors in August 2007.

“The Women’s Center is a labor of love for many people,” Boyd said.

“It is something that so many students, faculty, and staff wanted — and now it is a reality.”

A committee of NCCU employees, students, and community members met for two years, conducting focus groups and visiting other university’s women’s centers to gather information.

Boyd said students often tend to think in terms of racial and ethnic identity on an HBCU campus, but that it’s important to explore all aspects of our identities, including gender.

“We are here to ensure that there is a place for women’s support and to create space to meet in a safe, supportive, confidential atmosphere,” Boyd said.

“Students gain a sense of belonging to something that is working to better the NCCU campus and community.”