| Abstract: | Gender-based violence and rape culture are pervasive, systemic issues on university campuses. The purpose of this research study is to analyze the role that campus Women’s Centres at universities in Ontario, Canada play in addressing gender-based violence and rape culture. This research study used qualitative research methods to review secondary and grey literature, and to interview three feminists that worked or volunteered at university Women’s Centres. Each interviewee was asked about the strategies that Women’s Centres use to facilitate change on campus when it comes to rape culture, and the barriers that Women’s Centres encounter from universities in their work to address gender-based violence. The results of this research suggest that universities treat gender-based violence and rape culture as individual incidents. In contrast, Women’s Centres approach gender-based violence and rape culture as systemic issues and strive to create social and structural change. The challenges that Women’s Centres face include being under-resourced, less visible on campus, and precariously funded. Despite these challenges, Women’s Centres work to change the status quo, through collective and proactive practices informed by an egalitarian philosophy and the principle of supporting survivors. |