The Philippine Women's University (PWU) is a non-sectarian academic institution for men and women in the Philippines, founded in 1919 as the Philippine Women's College by Filipino women who envisioned a school that would prepare young women for leadership and service. PWU is located along one city block in the district of Malate in the City of Manila bounded by Taft Avenue and the streets of Malvar, Nakpil and Leon Guinto. The school was granted in 1932 its university status, is recognized as the "First university for women in Asia," and is renowned for its civics-related courses with emphasis on training women in child care and social work. A group of visionary women in the Philippines in 1919 sought to further empower women of the country by allowing them access to quality education. Under the American administrative oversight from 1900 to July 4, 1946, education and democracy were the core of America's goal in "developing" the Philippines. Among the first, and perhaps more important, American legacy is the recognition of equality of women in the Philippine islands, years before mainland America embraced the concept.