Objective:  To report the experience of the origin and development of a core of women's health studies, relating references to discussions and reflections on gender and citizenship because of the urgency of consolidating these approaches in caring for the female audience.  Method:  from the experiences in developing research and extension activities of the Core of Studies on Women, Gender and Public Policy, Department of Nursing, Federal University of Santa Maria.  Results:  stand out extent relevant actions and studies have been conducted on gender issues, violence against women and women in construction.  Conclusion:  The study highlights the need of the educational institutions and groups of studies and research to align themselves to the assumptions of public policies as a way to prepare professionals attentive and sensitive to the inequalities reducing, respect for cultural diversity, social inclusion and configuring as possible mediators of processes of empowerment of women.