March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It’s also a call to action for accelerating gender parity. At U of G, events are taking place across campus to show support for women and girls.
Events in early March
#HeForShe at U of G – March 6
As part of the United Nations #HeForShe movement, U of G hosts an evening with Lisa Lisson, president of FedEx Canada. One of Canada’s most powerful women business leaders and a U of G alumna, Lisson will share her insights into the successes and challenges of being a female business leader in a male-dominated industry.
This inspiring evening includes presentations to scholarship recipients and a keynote address by Lisson, author of Resilience: Navigating Life, Loss, and the Road to Success. The event is hosted by the College of Business and Economics, the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and Gryphons Football.
RSVP for free on the HeForShe at U of G event website.
March 6 | 7 to 9 p.m. | Cutten Fields
Events on International Women’s Day (March 8)
Share on Social – All day
Share your International Women’s Day experiences on social media with hashtags #IWDUofG. Send a shout-out to a U of G woman who inspires you. Share your commitment to improving gender parity. Show us how you support women at U of G! Be part of the conversation and see what others at U of G are sharing.
GenEQ International Women’s Day Breakfast for Faculty and Staff
All faculty and staff are invited to kick off International Women’s Day with an event hosted by GenEQ: Advancing the status of women at U of G. Allies are welcome! Enjoy a continental breakfast and hear provost Charlotte Yates discuss gender equity at U of G. Take part in the International Women’s Day conversation with your colleagues.
March 8 | 8 to 10 a.m. | Summerlee Science Complex
Research and Revolt Conference
Learn more about innovative U of G research related to women and girls at the Research Facility for Women’s Health and Well-Being Research and Revolt conference.
The event will include:
- Keynote address
- Performances by Out Loud (LGBTQ+ musical collective) and spoken-word artists
- Interdisciplinary student research presentations
- Free refreshments (vegetarian options available)
Register online. Everyone is welcome to attend as much of the conference as they wish.
March 8 | 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. | University Centre, Room 442
Wellness Education and Promotion Centre’s International Women’s Day Annual 5K
During this 5-km walk/run, show solidarity with sexual violence survivors and empower women. Participants will wear bibs printed with “I am here because _” to provide their own reason for joining the event. Feel free to go at your own pace!
March 8 | 10 a.m. to noon | Johnston Green
Celebrating International Women’s Day in the University Centre
The U of G community is invited to drop by the University Centre on March 8 for activities to celebrate International Women’s Day.
- GenEQ selfie station – Take a selfie with an International Women’s Day frame and share it on social!
- Influential women display – Explore an exhibit highlighting the important achievements of women with varying social intersectionalities.
- Noon hour concert (noon to 1 p.m.) featuring Montreal-based artist Janette King in the UC courtyard
- King is a producer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and DJ based in Montreal. King’s unique sound blends together soulful vocals, upbeat production style and honest lyrics to create a truly captivating listening experience.
March 8 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | University Centre courtyard
Support Women Scholars at U of G
This International Women’s Day, make a difference in the lives of women right on campus! Support scholarships for students through Alumni Affairs and Development’s International Women’s Day campaign.
Visit our International Women’s Day page and learn more about U of G women doing incredible things. Support U of G women across all areas by making your gift today!
March 8 | All day | Donate online
Guelph Women in Leadership’s Limitless: A dinner celebration of International Women’s Day
U of G students are invited to come together for a dinner and speaker series in honour of International Women’s Day! Enjoy a night of networking, conversation and inspiration as we listen to three keynote speakers:
- Sarah Nicole – writer and content creator of @thebirdspapaya
- Diana Godfrey – senior vice-president (human resources), Fidelity Canada
- Samra Zafar – award-winning international speaker and author, director (Business Finance), BMO
Students can purchase tickets through Eventbrite. Space is limited. You must purchase a ticket to attend.
March 8 | 5:15 to 9:30 p.m. | Victoria Park East Golf Club
Library Consultation and Bridge Dancing
U of G’s Community Engaged Scholarship Institute co-hosts two events on International Women’s Day with the Canadian Federation of University Women and Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis.
Have a say in your public library – Help create a more welcoming public library by providing decision-makers and policy leaders with community insight to build the newest library branch.
March 8 | noon to 1 p.m. | St. George’s Church, 99 Woolwich St.
Women on the Bridge – Following the library conversation, join women in our community as they dance on the Heffernan Bridge in an intersectional celebration of International Women’s Day.
March 8 | 1 p.m. | Heffernan Bridge, Downtown Guelph
Events After International Women’s Day
Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon – Writing Women into History
Join community members at the library as they write women into history in homage to International Women’s Day. You will be trained in how to edit and write Wikipedia articles, and provided with a list of starting places to jump in and make Wikipedia a more inclusive, diverse space on the web.
March 28 | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Library, Room 289