AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881

Equity Now

Together, we can achieve a vision of equal opportunity for all
Tamanika Ferguson (American Fellowship 2021-2022). tferguson@allegheny.edu Visiting Assistant Professor of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Allegheny College
Tamanika Ferguson, AAUW 2021-2022 American Fellow
NCCWSL 2024 Registration is Open

Dare to Be...

AAUW invites hundreds of college women from around the country for leadership training, inspiration and networking at our National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL).

Join AAUW on May 30 – June 1, 2024 in DC metro area for this year’s NCCWSL.

Gloria L. Blackwell speaking at Meridian’s breakfast celebration to kick-off the Week of Women & Girls in Science. Photo by Jess Latos.
Women Make History Every Day

AAUW CEO Gloria L. Blackwell Named "Outstanding Woman" for Women’s History Month

AAUW is thrilled to see CEO Gloria L. Blackwell recognized as one of Diverse Issues in Higher Education’s 40 Outstanding Women . This honor celebrates her exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing equity and education for women and girls. Ms. Blackwell joins an impressive group of professionals who are making a difference in our communities, and we are proud to have her leadership.

Women's History Month Webinar Spotlight

Learn about the significant societal contributions women have made by watching our exclusive webinars. Dive into our past recordings and keep an eye out for future events that celebrate, educate, and inspire during Women’s History Month and beyond.

AAUW's History and Evolution

Watch this insightful webinar on AAUW’s history. Here, we highlight pivotal points in AAUW’s story that turned us into the organization we are today. Our featured speaker is Jessica Miller, AAUW Archivist, as she discusses both larger organizational changes and individual trailblazers who shaped our current structure.

Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu at a gathering at Columbia University in 1958. Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution.
Alumna Spotlight

Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu – 1959 AAUW Achievement Award

Chien-Shiung Wu, Ph.D., is widely considered one of the most influential scientists in history, but her achievements were not widely acknowledged due to her gender and race. Dr. Wu was the first woman hired as a faculty in the Physics Department at Princeton University and later worked on the Manhattan Project at Columbia University during World War ll.

In 1956, Wu devised an experiment that would disprove a widely accepted law of physics at the time called the Parity Law. Dr. Wu’s work was termed the most important development in the field of atomic and nuclear physics to date. The experiment, known as the Wu Experiment, is named for her. In 1957, her co-workers were awarded a Nobel Prize in Physics for their work on the experiment. Like the contributions of many women in science at the time, Dr. Wu’s work was not acknowledged.

Graphic of woman crushed by big circle with dollar sign on it
Research & Data

Deeper in Debt: Women & Student Loans

Student debt is making it nearly impossible for many women to afford their basic living expenses after graduating from college, but AAUW is dedicated to getting the college debt crisis under control. Learn more about how women are disproportionately impacted by student loans — and steps we can take to make college more affordable and accessible for all!

Our Priority Issues

Take Action

Members of AAUW’s Action Network receive urgent email notices and text messages when their advocacy is needed most. With our online Two-Minute Activist tool, it takes just minutes and an internet connection to make your voice heard on issues impacting women and girls!