According to statistics from the National Domestic Violence Hotline, one in three women in the U.S. has experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during her lifetime. However, this is not the only issue women face in a male-dominated world. Located in Queens, the Center for the Women of New York (CWNY) aims to help women overcome violent, financial, social, and legal challenges. This nonprofit organization also advocates for full gender equality, fully understanding women’s needs and providing access to all necessary assistance resources. Read more at queenska.com.
Who founded it?
The center was founded in 1987 by Ann Juliano Jawin, the author of one of the first books on the need for women to achieve financial independence and equal opportunities with men in the workplace. Born on May 29, 1922, in Barnesboro, Pennsylvania, Ann moved with her family to Brooklyn at a young age. After graduating from Hunter College, she met her future husband, Edward H. Jawin.
Ann began her career as a schoolteacher. She was always actively involved in political movements, speaking out against the Vietnam War and supporting the rights of Italian Americans, women, and all citizens in general. Jawin worked on the New York State Commission on Women and even ran for the New York State Senate. In the 1970s, she joined the National Organization for Women and led a task force on education and employment. Ann constantly observed the results of inequality in the workforce, which hindered women from achieving financial stability. Ann Juliano Jawin passed away in 2019 at the age of 97, just one month after celebrating the grand opening of the center’s new location in Fort Totten. Community members expressed condolences to the activist who dedicated her life to equality and the empowerment of women.
Powerful Force
The Center for the Women of New York has proven that when women unite and work together, they become a powerful force in society. CWNY serves women and girls in New York City who are in crisis, offering programs and services for support, education, and empowerment. The center believes that education is the cornerstone of economic independence. Therefore, CWNY provides access to seminars and educational classes, where experienced professionals discuss domestic violence, human trafficking, career advancement, financial literacy, and more.
To achieve its goals, the center collaborates with like-minded individuals and elected officials. Its members participate in women’s marches and organize symposiums on domestic violence and human trafficking. The center assists anyone interested in reaching out to social services. Previously, women had to face all their difficulties alone, which added stress, but with the emergence of CWNY, they have found a safe space for protection and support. The CWNY website also contains valuable resources and links to other organizations working on women’s health issues. The organization is nonprofit, relying on member contributions and volunteer efforts.
It is worth noting that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also the foundation of a peaceful and sustainable world. Even in the 21st century, women are often paid less than men for the same work. Moreover, they spend extra time on unpaid household chores and childcare. Sexual violence, exploitation, unequal distribution of domestic responsibilities, and discrimination in public offices remain prevalent even in civilized countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these areas of inequality: reports of sexual violence have increased, and mothers have faced additional burdens due to school closures. That is why the Center for the Women of New York is dedicated to overcoming legal, social, and economic barriers.
Available Programs
Initially, CWNY focused primarily on the issue of domestic violence. The center’s members helped achieve justice in courts, overcoming legal obstacles to ensure the proper protection of women in crisis situations. On average, every minute, 24 people become victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the U.S.—more than 12 million women and men in one year (according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline).
Over the years, the programs have expanded. Now, weekly seminars are available, preparing women for future jobs; career counseling; a helpline; legal assistance; financial management education; support groups for crisis situations and life issues; computer literacy courses; self-defense programs; and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.