Philippine Women's University

Manila, Philippines

The Philippine Women’s University or PWU is a non-stock, non-for-profit, non-sectarian educational institution duly existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines. The history of the Philippine Women’s University began on June 9, 1919, when educator and civic rights leaders Francisca Tirona Benitez along with six other women, Clara Aragon, Concepcion Aragon, Paz Marquez Benitez, (sister-in-law of Francisca Benitez) Carolina Ocampo Palma, Mercedes Rivera, and Socorro Marquez Zaballero, founded the Philippine Women’s College, with Paz serving as its first president. It was a time when women’s rights and empowerment began to take hold in the national consciousness in the wake of the success of women’s suffrage rights in other countries, especially in the United States. Thus, the college aimed to prepare women for life service and leadership.

The college first offered primary and secondary education. Later followed on with education, commerce, and philosophy. It already had the distinction of being the first private educational institution to have a student council in 1922. It was officially recognized in1932 as the first for-women university in Asia founded by Asians. The PWU’s core values are fostered through a curriculum centered on holistic character formation, cultural and national heritage preservation, family solidarity, ethical professionalism, and service to the country.

Today, the university celebrates 102 years of service to the country and catering to both women and men, embracing inclusion and cultural diversity.