Founded by a group of visionary women in 1971, San Francisco Women’s Center was created as an incubator for emerging Bay Area women’s projects. In 1979, having outgrown their tiny office on Brady Street, the group bought Dovre Hall and transformed it into the first women-owned and operated community center in the county which we now call, The Women’s Building.

The Women’s Building is a Community Women’s Center that serves as both a symbol of women’s strength and leadership and as a concrete vehicle for organizing progressive social change that addresses women’s issues. The vision and work of The Women’s Building are based on a progressive and international worldview that identifies women’s issues within the context of cultural, political, and economic realities that affect the quality of women’s lives.

The Women’s Building has empowered over 10,000 women, immigrants, and LGBTQIA+ individuals through vital services like financial coaching, legal aid, and community support. Since our founding, we’ve been a beacon of hope for those facing challenges, fostering empowerment and lasting change. It takes a community to create a more equitable world. Join us in making a difference today.