Our Mission
The Global Center for Women and Justice equips students to address the global status of women and vulnerable populations through collaborative and restorative justice principles.
The Big Picture
GCWJ was founded in 2003, and is a Christian-based, non-profit organization housed within Vanguard University of Southern California. We focus much of our efforts on anti-human trafficking prevention and education and related topics. Our efforts include interdisciplinary studies programs, integrated research, victim-survivor advocacy and education on issues impacting vulnerable and at-risk populations.
GCWJ is dedicated to educating and training students and professionals locally and globally on collaborative strategies to prevent and counter human trafficking, equitably address immigration and migrant challenges, advocate for victims and promote human rights.
Study the issues. Be a voice. Make a difference
Our Six Pillars
GCWJ provides a bridge between local and global communities and our students and the university.
Students
Our goal is to develop resilient, spiritually responsible global citizens. Our students learn through a multi-disciplinary, empowerment focus to ask questions, experience real-life scenarios and serve others though service and leadership positions.
Partnerships
We engage, connect and collaborate with other organizations and governmental entities working with women’s justice and human rights issues with a multi-agency focus. This allows us to share and develop multi-disciplinary expertise and resources to continue our mission.
Prevention
We strive to eliminate the risk of women and vulnerable and at-risk populations being victims of human trafficking through awareness and education. We provide outreach, identify push-pull factors, and promote intervention strategies based on research and collaborative strengths.
Protection
We support empowering and protecting the rights of human trafficking survivors. It is essential to sustain survivors personal dignity throughout the recovery, restoration and reintegration process on their terms using a collaboratively supported victim-centered, trauma-informed approach.
Justice
Individuals and agencies that violate human rights should be held accountable. It is critical to balance the legal requirement for criminal justice with the right to restore survivors of human trafficking through comprehensive investigation, advocacy and mediation.
Academics
We equip students to address the global status of women and vulnerable populations through collaborative and restorative justice principles. We use data driven, best practice models in our Women and Justice Minor and Anti-Human Trafficking Certificate to teach students to develop a local and global appreciation of and support for human rights.