The Women’s Place (Toronto)

The Women’s Place began as a women’s centre and library at 31 Dupont Street in Toronto in 1972. It was a feminist organizing centre aimed at raising awareness of the roots of woman’s oppression, bringing women together to build their power base, and helping women grow. The prime goal was not getting women a “better shake” in the same old system but rather changing the ground rules for everyone. Lesbian activists played an important role in creating The Women’s Place, and the centre set up a lesbian caucus to give lesbians a voice. It was also the first home of the Toronto Women’s Bookstore, which started as a book corner at The Women’s Place in 1973.