The Memphis Area Women’s Council advocates for women and girls in Memphis and Shelby County to eliminate barriers, fill gaps and change policies and systems toward full safety, justice and equity. The Memphis Area Women's Council acts to influence and change policies for the benefit of Shelby County women in the areas of health, education and economic self-sufficiency. Identifying needs, barriers and gaps through research and study to develop strategies and actions, the Women's Council strives to go to the root of issues seeking systemic change. Due to the epidemic levels of violence against women and girls, the Council has an ongoing strategic focus on the needs of survivors, on system change to increase prosecution of batterers and rapists and to increase resources and community response to these crimes, to victim/survivors and to perpetrators. As an independent, progressive, non-partisan alliance of individuals and organizations, we act as change agents to improve the status of women and families. The Women's Council acts as an incubator for information and communication, linking diverse agencies that provide services for women and families. The Women's Council creates awareness of issues facing women and families in greater Memphis.  We strive to effect positive changes in local policies related to women’s health and health care, educational equity and reform, economic self-sufficiency and political advocacy. Uniting for the well-being of women and families in our community, we convene community partners and system leaders to share insight and understanding of needs and issues; collaborate with partners on strategies for change; communicate to partners, members and the public about positive action and support, and to celebrate change.