The Western Organization for Women (WOW) was established in 1971 out of concern for women’s opportunities for advancement on the campus of Western Illinois University. The purpose of WOW is to provide for continuing interaction among members in order to consider and act on common interests and issues relating to women. One of the first projects undertaken by WOW was a landmark salary study which led to some improvement in women’s salaries.
Through the years, WOW has promoted the Women’s Studies program (now a department as of Fall, 2006) and the Women’s Center.