Women’s Only College - A Worthy Option

I am the product of a women’s-only college having attended Miranda House, Delhi University. Miranda House, established in 1948, pioneered science education for women long before women’s rights and equal rights captured national and global attention.

I had forgotten the influence this experience had on me until I came across this podcast. Very few things cast a lifelong impact on us. My attending a women’s-only college for undergrad was one such experience. It changed who I was forever. From a shy and conscious young girl, I found my voice and confidence to share my thoughts on things that matter to me. 

In the decades since, I have forgotten the many chemistry lectures (!!) I attended, the many reading assignments I plowed through, and  the many professors I met along the way; however, the unique experience of living on the women’s-only campus has stayed with me.

Deciding to attend this college was probably more accident than deliberate, but I do remember telling myself at the time that “not having the distractions of the opposite sex would be good. I would be able to focus on what I wanted.” And it was good! But it was so much more than that! What I didn’t know was that I would also be empowered as a woman surrounded by other women who I could emulate, who were filled with hopes, dreams and the ability to put their thoughts into action. The girls I met were from different backgrounds and had different interests. As we shared, my world view grew. We were passionate and vocal about our beliefs and the impacts we wanted to make on society. The all-female dorms provided us a safe, but lively space where we challenged ourselves academically and socially.

I know single-sex education has fallen out of favor. I don’t recall anyone even mentioning visiting or attending a women’s-only college. In fact, many such institutions have closed down; however, there are some stellar ones still around that are worth looking into. So, as girls of the Class of 2025 make plans for Spring college visits, do consider adding some women’s colleges to your itinerary. You might just find your place.