Below are some of the Institute’s milestones:
Debut of uOttawa’s Women Studies Courses
In 1970, due to the pioneering efforts of our foremothers, disciplines like English, history, lettres françaises, political science, psychology, religious studies, and sociology introduced the first women’s studies courses at the University of Ottawa.
Laying the Groundwork for Women’s Studies Program
In 1980, a coordinating committee of professors and students from the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Social Sciences developed the blueprints and framework for a women’s studies program.
A Bilingual Leap for Women
In 1983, the University of Ottawa reorganized its administrative structure to develop women's studies, creating a bilingual undergraduate program under the Vice-Rector and committing itself to promoting women in all aspects of university life.
A Partnership for Women’s Advocacy
In 1985, the Office of the Secretary of State created a joint chair in women’s studies held by the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. The role involved maintaining relationships with feminist organizations at different levels while conducting research, participating in committees, and advocating for women's issues. This year’s chair is Dr. Marie-Eve Carrier-Moisan from Carleton University. Learn more about the Chair Joint Chair in Feminist and Gender Studies | Faculty of Social Sciences (uOttawa.ca)
Spotlight on Scholars—Advancing Research for Women
In 1992, The Bank of Montreal established a yearly Visiting Scholar program to promote research that benefits women. During the 2001-2002 academic year, Dr. Tina O’Toole accessed archival material at the University of Ottawa to explore the rich history of the women’s movement in both Canada and Ireland.
Refining Graduate Studies with Feminist Perspective
In 1995, The Faculty of Social Sciences introduced a collaborative Master’s program in Women Studies with the goal of enriching certain Master’s programs with feminist theories and methodologies.
A Bilingual Celebration of Women’s Voices
Established in 1999 by the Minto Foundation Development Fund, the Shirley Greenberg Lecture in Women’s Studies features an annual presentation by a distinguished speaker. Past speakers have included Joao Gabriel, Billy-Ray Belcourt, Audra Simpson and Nathalie Batraville.
A Notable Presence in Women’s Discourse
In 2009, Céline Galipeau, a renowned French-Canadian journalist and anchor for Téléjournal Radio- Canada, spoke at the Shirley Greenberg Conference on Women in the World.
Did You know?
The Faculty of Social Sciences offers a course about Sexuality, Gender, and Popular Culture. FEM 2110 explores how gender and sexuality are constructed in popular culture, through feminist analysis of institutions, technologies, and representations.
Did You Know?
Two associations represent students who are part of the Institute of Feminist and Gender Studies: FGSSA (Undergraduate) and WSGSA (Graduate). Both groups foster an inclusive and stimulating environment through a variety of events, workshops and discussions, promoting gender equality, anti-racist and transnational activism, and feminism both inside and outside the program.
Join us in celebrating this legacy and envisioning the future of the Institute of Feminist and Gender Studies at uOttawa!