March 8 is International Women’s Day and at the University of Guelph, we’re committed to celebrating women’s contributions, telling their stories and supporting their success. Throughout the day, planned events will encourage dialogue within our community. In the weeks that follow International Women’s Day, we’re continuing the conversation with additional gender equity events.
“Empowering women is in our DNA as an institution,” says president Dr. Charlotte Yates. “One of our founding colleges – the Macdonald Institute – was created to advance women’s education. Today, inspiring women from around the world choose U of G as a place to study, work and improve life.”
Events at U of G on International Women’s Day (March 8)
Coffee with the President
Open to faculty and staff
9 to 10 a.m. – Summerlee Science Complex Atrium
Register online
Join President Charlotte Yates for light refreshments as we kick off International Women’s Day and celebrate together.
Women, Work and Wellness: Equity v. Equality
Open to faculty and staff
Noon to 1 p.m. – Room 103, MacKinnon Building
Register online by end of day Monday, March 6
Indira Naidoo-Harris, AVP of diversity and human rights, will lead a discussion of differences between equity and equality and how these concepts play out at the University of Guelph and in our lives.
Musings of a Scientist, Feminist, Activist: A Conversation with Dr. Anne Innis Dagg
Open to students, faculty and staff
1 to 2 p.m. – Whitelaw Room, McLaughlin Library
Register online by March 7 to attend in person or watch online
Hear Dr. Anne Innis Dagg, Canadian zoologist, feminist and author, as well as other women working in science and academia. This event is an opportunity to reflect on challenges women in science and academia have faced and continue to face today, while also highlighting advances made.
Research, Recognize & Reimagine! conference
Open to students, faculty and staff
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Register by March 3 to attend in person or by March 7 to attend online
This free hybrid conference will showcase interdisciplinary and intersectionality research related to challenges faced by women and girls, specifically underrepresented and marginalized folks. The conference features keynote discussions, student presentations on current research on diverse, influential topics impacting women and girls, a spoken word performance, and a Feel & Heal Workshop: Incorporating Joy in Activism!
Related events later this month
Going Beyond HeforShe: An Open Discussion Around Gender Equality and Inclusivity
Open to students, faculty and staff
Thursday, March 9 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Red Zone Football Pavilion
Register online
This guided discussion with Caleb Harwood, sexual and gender diversity advisor, serves as an opportunity for the U of G community to connect and discuss the importance of gender equality and inclusivity. This discussion will encourage folks to grow in their understanding and allyship while providing equity of space to attendees.
Leading Powerfully: The Role of Gender Equity in Global Leadership
Open to students, faculty and staff
Thursday, March 16 from 11 a.m. to noon – Zoom
Register online
Join the Office of Diversity and Human Rights in celebration of International Women’s Day, with some dynamic and influential women! Don’t miss this compelling conversation about the important role women play in building solid paths to the future during uncertain times. It’s time to rebuild, it’s time to innovate, it’s time for transformational change and every woman counts!
Join Indira Naidoo-Harris, AVP of Diversity and Human Rights at U of G, and gender equity advocates Eva McLellan and Kaye Vitug (co-founders of Unlocking Eve) to learn how we can unlock effective leadership and decision making and build a strong and successful future for all of us.
HeForShe Presents Olympic Soccer Star Diana Matheson
Open to students, faculty, staff and the community
March 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. – Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre
Register online
Two-time Olympic bronze medallist and former professional soccer player Diana Matheson will keynote U of G’s annual HeForShe gender equity event.
Matheson, perhaps best known for scoring the game-winning goal in the bronze medal match in the 2012 London Olympic Games, is also the co-founder of Project 8, an initiative to help launch Canada’s first women’s professional soccer league.
During her keynote, Matheson will discuss the gender equity challenges that women athletes face in professional sports. The topic is timely as Canada’s women’s soccer team is currently protesting their pay in comparison to that of the men’s national team.
Donation Drive: Menstrual Hygiene Products
Open to everyone
March 27 from 11:30 to 1 p.m. – University Centre Courtyard
Give to the menstrual hygiene products donation drive to help address period poverty and end the stigma around menstruation.
All donations will go to the Guelph Student Food Bank to support U of G students. Please ensure that all donated items are unopened and new. Accepted items include:
- Tampons
- Pads
- Menstrual Cups
For each item you donate, you will be entered into a draw to win a $25 Hospitality Services gift card. Questions? Email wellnessatwork@uoguelph.ca.