The Community Engaged Scholarship Institute (CESI) at the University of Guelph is pleased to support the 7th annual free one-day virtual format conference in honour of International Women’s Day 2024, taking place on Friday, March 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT.

This year’s conference highlights interdisciplinary and intersectional research addressing challenges faced by women*, girls and genderfluid communities. The theme, “Refocus and Recenter”, aims to amplify the voices, expertise, and achievements of women in research and beyond. It encourages a re-evaluation of traditional methodologies, urging participants to explore how diverse perspectives reshape our understanding.

The day will include keynote presentations from Nneka MacGregor (U of G Activist in Residence) and Layla Staats (activist, musician, film maker, change artist) and student research presentations exploring topics such as:

• The impact of minority women in science, technology, arts, politics, and social movements;
• Awareness about the intersectionality of feminism and womanism;
• Celebration of achievements within underrepresented and marginalized communities;
• Calls to action to accelerate gender parity.

“Refocus and Recenter” is more than just a theme; it’s a call to action. We invite researchers, practitioners, and participants from all backgrounds to exchange ideas that challenge the status quo, broaden our horizons, and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Full program to come. Register now!

*Our definition of women encompasses cisgender women, transgender women, genderqueer women, and two-spirit, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people who are woman-aligned.