Memphis Area Women's Council
About Memphis Area Women's Council
Since its founding 20 years ago, the Memphis Area Women's Council has been the advocacy voice for women in Greater Memphis, Tennessee, working on issues that matter most when women need it most. MAWC is a nonprofit organization built on the principle that research and grassroots activism together create lasting community change. With a membership of individuals and organizations, MAWC focuses exclusively on advocacy and policy change rather than direct service provision, positioning itself as a catalyst for systemic transformation in the Memphis area.
The heart of MAWC's mission is connecting women's experiences with data and evidence to challenge local policies and practices that limit opportunities for women and girls. The organization has built deep community relationships through programs like WomenTalk, a gathering space for meaningful dialogue; the Women of Achievement awards, which celebrate and document the leadership of Memphis women; and Memphis Says NO MORE, which raises awareness about domestic violence and connects people to resources. MAWC's court watch efforts, workplace safety initiatives, and educational equity work demonstrate a commitment to addressing the toughest issues facing women in Memphis—from domestic violence to economic inequality to harassment in schools and workplaces.
What sets MAWC apart in the Memphis, TN community is its unwavering focus on lifting women's voices during their most vulnerable moments, particularly around safety and rights. The organization's 20-year track record includes victories that have reshaped city policy, from ending corporal punishment in schools to establishing protections for domestic violence victims. MAWC invites community members to become changemakers by joining the organization and supporting its mission to ensure that women in Greater Memphis have the advocacy, data, and collective power needed to shape their own futures.