On March 8 – International Women’s Day – people around the globe celebrate the contributions and achievements of women everywhere. This day of international awareness highlights the progress made toward achieving gender equality and the work that still needs to be done.

In Canada, International Women’s Day 2022 celebrates the theme “Women Inspiring Women.”

At the University of Guelph, online and in-person events are planned to help amplify the inspiring contributions of women from within the University community and beyond. Watch the U of G News page for stories about remarkable women at U of G.

Learn more about how you can be part of this important day and help advance gender equity.

International Women’s Day Events

The following events are open to all students, faculty and staff.

The Sacredness of Women with Elder Jan Sherman

March 8 – 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Microsoft Teams

Join Elder Jan Sherman as she discusses the ‘The Sacredness of Women’ with our community. In support of International Women’s Day, Jan will discuss relevant topics around the sacredness of women through the sharing of traditional Anishnaabe Teachings. Jan would appreciate all participants having a small cup of water available to them during this circle.

GenEQ International Women’s Day Presentation

March 8 – noon to 1:15 p.m.
Join on Zoom

The GenEQ advisory group hosts Dr. Linda Lara Jacobo for an online event. She will speak on “Reducing the gender gap in STEMM through women’s networks” as part of a panel moderated by Dr. Alicia Viloria-Petit, professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and member of the GenEQ advisory group.

Research, Recognize and Reimagine – Honouring International Women’s Day Conference

March 8 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hosted on Zoom
Register online

This free virtual conference highlights research that celebrates women’s achievements or brings awareness to gender-based disparities. This year’s presentations focus on BIPOC futurities and intersectionality. Hear from an activist who defends water in the Wet’suwet’en Territory, a community leader who pushes us to explore the shift from “equity, diversity and inclusion” to “violence, harm and oppression,” and a U of G prof who shares her research on daughter discrimination in India and Canada. The conference also includes student presentations from universities across Ontario and feminist entertainment.

McLaughlin Library Film Collection

Ongoing
Online

Curated in collaboration with the GenEQ advisory group, the McLaughlin Library’s Choose to Challenge film collection celebrates real-life stories of activists and trailblazers, and ordinary and extraordinary women.

HeForShe at U of G keynote with Dr. Hadiya Roderique

March 16 at 7 p.m.
Hosted on Zoom
Register online

At this year’s HeForShe event, Dr. Hadiya Roderique explores the importance of equality and why it benefits everyone. She will challenge the barriers to integrating diversity and inclusion and show the power behind a more equitable workplace. In 2017, Dr. Roderique sparked discussion in boardrooms across Canada with her viral Globe and Mail feature essay, “Black on Bay Street.” An author and lawyer, she was named one of Canada’s 25 Most Influential Lawyers in 2018 and was recognized with the Rising Star award from the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers.

This virtual event will also celebrate gender equality initiatives of the Guelph community, including presentations of student scholarships and an award for a local business.

HeForShe is a United Nations gender equality initiative. HeForShe at U of G is a collaboration among the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, the College of Biological Science and Gryphon Football.

A Conversation with Jane Goodall

March 23
1 to 2 p.m.
Hosted on Zoom
Register online

In celebration of International Women’s Day, join University of Guelph’s Diversity and Human Rights AVP, Indira Naidoo-Harris for an exciting and inspiring conversation with Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, about women in research, gender equity, environmentalism and building a strong future for all of us.

A presentation and Q&A by Alex Johnson of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada will follow.

This International Women’s Day, help celebrate the women who inspire you!