The collection is comprised of documents, photographs, and audio/visual materials of the Southwest Institute for Research on Women (SIROW ), which is a research and resource center for women and girls. The bulk of the material consists of: essays, ephemeral material, newspaper clippings, administrative material, grants, correspondence, and cassette tapes. Topics include an array of different subjects relating to women’s studies, including: education, economy, cultural diversity, literature & film, and community outreach.

The Southwest Institute for Research on Women is a research and resource center focusing on the lives of women and girls of the Southwest. SIROW  was founded in 1979 in Tucson, Arizona and is part of the Women’s Studies Department at the University of Arizona. Its primary focus is intended for parts of the Southwestern region of the U.S., including: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, West Texas, Utah, Wyoming, and the Northwestern Mexico border. The Southwest Institute for Research on Women has become a regional network for over 30 campuses within the Southwest region.