Pine Manor, a historic women’s college, was recently approved to become a co-educational institution for the 2014 spring semester and all subsequent semesters.

The decision, which was made back in July, came as the result of a struggle to gain applicants and incoming first-years. Such a debate as the one just four miles from our campus has been present at Simmons College. You may have heard it before: Simmons College is experiencing a financial difficulties. But does that mean we should go co-ed?

One member of the Voice Editorial Board noted that she came to Simmons because she wanted to be respected for her work rather than being a “token girl” in her major. Another noted that she came to the college for the feminist foundation that comes with a Simmons education.

Transgendered students can find a safe and accepting home at Simmons, free of judgment, whereas Smith has yet to accept a transgendered applicant. Women’s colleges provide a place for those who might have been oppressed otherwise.

Women can find a classroom where they will be empowered and encouraged. The National Survey of Student Engagement in 2004 found that students at women’s college participated more in the classroom, are more challenged academically, are more involved in the community, and collaborate more with their peers.

Gloria Steinem is a graduate of Smith College. Hillary Clinton is a graduate of Wellesley College. Denise Di Novi is a graduate of Simmons College. Plenty of powerful women are evidence of the importance of an all-women’s education.

Poly Mic argues that all women’s colleges are necessary for women to make up for lost time. Harvard University, established in 1636, did not accept women until 1963. All-female institutions allow women the empowerment that they were denied for centuries.

It is here at Simmons that women can find their voice. They can connect, with no effort at all, with women leaders and mentors. They are exposed to feminists in the form of empowered females, curious students, and male professors.

And if you believe that women have obtained equal rights, you should know that there is still a gender disparity in wages, even today in 2013. Female candidates running for office are still asked ridiculous questions such as “What designers do you prefer?”

We still have a long way to go before we obtain equal rights.

There is so much value in an all women’s education: is going co-ed really worth the extra tuition?