As the great novelist Virginia Woolf once wrote, “A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.” While Woolf was referring to her own occupation as a writer, this sentiment can easily be attributed to nearly every aspect of a woman’s life, from her passions to her career goals. In a world that too often denies women their own sanctuary, there’s a great need to establish female-dominated spaces in which women can grow together. If past feminist movements have proven anything, it’s that the power of women coming together can topple a nation. And sometimes coming together means carving out a space of one’s own.
While statistics show that women continue to earn more degrees than men, discrepancies between the way women and men are treated in the workplace still exist. Women's coworking spaces throughout the San Francisco Bay Area are trying to counteract this by establishing female-centric spaces, in which women can share ideas, strengthen their careers and connect with others in an environment that caters to their specific needs. Whether you’re scaling a startup or simply picking up a new trade, these five coworking spaces designed for women will help you hone your craft in a community built upon the insurmountable strength of femininity.
Notable Women's Coworking Spaces In San Francisco
- Double Union
- The Assembly
- The Hivery
- The Ruby
- The Wing
Founded: 2013
Location: Potrero Hill
What they offer: Double Union was designed as a hacker / maker space for women and non-binary people to pursue their passions in comfort. Members use the space to work on a wide range of skills, from coding and 3D printing to sewing and fiber arts. Boasting fast WiFi, shared tools, a carefully curated library of books and numerous discussion spaces, Double Union empowers women and non-binary individuals to work on projects, develop skills and meet new people. Those who join the space receive access to various events, workshops and meetings.
Founded: 2018
Location: Mission District
What they offer: The Assembly is a women-focused well-being club that provides space for working, networking and fitness. The organization is dedicated to strengthening women’s bodies and minds, offering fitness classes and inspiring events that support important causes. Those who join The Assembly have access to unlimited monthly fitness classes, onsite well-being services, special events and locally-sourced food. The organization also hosts off-site excursions that involve wine tastings, surfing, hiking and more.
Founded: 2014
Location: Fort Mason Center + Mill Valley, Greater San Francisco Bay Area
What they offer: Founded by former professional ballerina Grace Kraaijvanger, The Hivery is a collaborative and creative coworking space designed for women to pursue their work, passions and ideas. Committed to fostering the unstoppable power of women, the organization encourages women to find their inner drive and challenge themselves, whether they’re in the process of reentering the workplace, starting a business or exploring a new field. Besides workspace, The Hivery offers female-focused events for both members and nonmembers including women’s leadership forums and various annual programs that support entrepreneurs from a variety of fields.
Founded: 2017
Location: Mission District
What they offer: The Ruby is an arts and letters-focused work and gathering space for creative women, trans women and non-binary individuals throughout the Bay Area. The 3,800-square-foot space serves as a welcoming, supportive environment designed for learning, sharing and connecting. On nights and weekends, The Ruby hosts social gatherings, political organizing and skill-sharing, while the upstairs artist’s loft occasionally hosts visiting writers and artists. In addition to workspace, The Ruby offers a food and beverage program that celebrates local cuisine and supports local chefs, caterers and winemakers. The organization offers a variety of scholarships and fellowships for eligible applicants.
Founded: 2016
Location: Financial District
What they offer: The Wing is a growing community of women spanning the globe, which is dedicated to the professional, civic, social and economic advancement of women. Rooted in the women’s club movement of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the organization offers stylish coworking spaces around the world, which boast their own unique set of perks and amenities. The Wing’s San Francisco location features a cafe, beauty room, fitness room, event space and pump room. The organization also publishes a bi-annual magazine called No Man’s Land, which is designed to empower the brilliant and defiant voices of women everywhere, as well as a history podcast that outlines the lives of the world’s greatest female rule breakers.
