The 12th World Conference on Women’s Studies
WCWS 2026
28th - 30th May 2026
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Theme: The Power of Dialogue: Abolishing the Conditions of Voicelessness
Uniting Voices from Around the World to Advance Women’s Studies: Welcome to The WCWS 2026!
The World Conference on Women’s Studies serves as a dynamic academic platform uniting established scholars, early-career researchers, activists, and policymakers. Focused on advancing the field of women’s studies, the conference encourages the presentation of original research, interdisciplinary dialogue, and bridges academic insights with real-world impact. With an emphasis on collaboration and real-world results, we aim to move beyond discussion and toward impactful action in the field of women’s and gender studies.
The Success Story of the 12th World Conference on Women’s Studies 2026
The 12th World Conference on Women’s Studies — WCWS 2026 was successfully held from 28th–30th May 2026 at The Empress Chiang Mai Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand, under the theme “The Power of Dialogue: Abolishing the Conditions of Voicelessness.”
The conference brought together 284 participants from 37 countries, including academics, researchers, activists, policymakers, practitioners, students, and community leaders. Over three days, WCWS 2026 created a welcoming space for participants to share ideas, discuss real challenges, and explore new ways to support women’s rights and gender equality.
The program covered important topics such as gender-based violence, women’s leadership, reproductive rights, climate justice, education, identity, work-life balance, digital spaces, and the voices of marginalized communities.
WCWS 2026 featured keynote speeches, plenary sessions, panel discussions, technical presentations, workshops, publication support sessions, community gatherings, and networking activities. These sessions encouraged meaningful conversations and helped participants connect across countries, institutions, and fields of work.
The conference ended with stronger networks, valuable discussions, and new ideas for future collaboration. WCWS 2026 once again showed the importance of bringing people together to listen, learn, and work toward a more equal and just world.
Physical Session Chairs and Evaluation Panel Members
- Prof. Diana Fox, Professor and Chair, Anthropology Department, Bridgewater State University, USA
- Dr. Priyanka Tripathi, Associate Professor of English and Gender Studies, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Patna, India
- Dr. Mariame Racine Sow, Managing Director of FORWARD for Women, Germany
- Prof. Nishi Mitra Vom Berg, Advanced Centre for Women’s Studies, Centre for Study of Developing Societies, School of Development Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India
- Dr. Srabani Basu, Associate Professor, Department of Literature and Language, SRM University-AP, India
- Dr. Rosila Bee Mohd Hussain, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology & Sociology, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia
- Dr. Peeja Rajan, The Gender Park, India
- Prof. Jyoti Niswade, Matru Sewa Sangh Institute of Social Work, India
- Dr. Divya Kodoth, The Gender Park, India
- Dr. Wan Teng Lai, Centre for Research on Women and Gender (KANITA), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
- Prof. Nupur Ray , Department of Political Science, Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi, India
- Camila A. Cornejo, Humanitarian Professional, WEAVE Foundation, Thailand
Virtual Session Chairs and Evaluation Panel Members
- Dr. Ipsita Pradhan, SRM University, India
- Dr. S. Sharmila, Shrimathi Devkunvar Nanalal Bhatt Vaishnav College for Women, India
- Dr. Gayatri Baruah, Krishna Kanta Hanidiqui State Open University, India
- Dr. Ruqqia Hashmi, Anjuman Arts, Science, Commerce College, India
- Rev. Dr. Simbarashe Munamati, Reformed Church University, Zimbabwe
- Prof. Dr Najma Iqbal Malik, University of Sargodha, Pakistan
- Dr. Oria Ramatsui, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa
- Dr. Mabebe Mary Kgole, University of South Africa, South Africa
- Dr. Liz Mukai, Daystar University, Kenya
- Dr. Rahat Zubair Malik, Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan
- Dr. Ramesh Singisala, Gu, ru Nanak Institutions Technical Campus, India
- Dr. Naresh Prajapati, Central University of Punjab, India
- Prof. U. H. Ruhina Jesmin, Khulna University, Bangladesh
- Dr Vibha Sharma, India
- Dr. S. Poulpunitha, Alagappa University, India
- Dr. Torfa Al Naimi, Family Counseling Center (WIFAQ) , Doha , Qatar
- Dr. Bhushan Sharma, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, India
- Dr. Zintle Ntshongwana, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
- Prof. Eleanor Imran Hendricks, North-West University, South Africa
- Dr. Kasturi Bharadwaj, Jagat Taran Girls’ Degree College, A Constituent College of Central University of Allahabad , India
- Dr. Lumwanga Augustine S., Kwame Nkrumah University, Zambia
- Dr. Hatice Altun, Pamukkale University, Turkey
- Dr. Pritha Sarkar, XIM University, India
- Dr. Elymar A. Pascual, Department of Education, Nagcarlan Sub-Office, Philippines
- Dr. Asfana Wahab, Center for Woman and Child Development, Bangladesh
- Prof. Darlene Ajeet Miller, Visiting Professor, Centre for Women and Gender Studies, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
- Dr. Shazia Malik, Centre for Women’s Studies and Research, University of Kashmir, India
Call for Papers
- Transforming systems of structural violence
- Rights, freedoms, and politics
- Masculinities Reimagined
- Justice: Climate, gender, ecological, economic
- Educational Systems
- Women in Politics and Public Administration
- Women, Spirituality and Religion
- Equity and Work-Life Balance
Impact
With more than 120 physical and 60 virtual presentations in 2025, The World Conference on Women’s Studies keeps offering a platform for scholars worldwide to share and advance women’s studies research. Our conference series has produced over 120 Scopus-indexed publications, including 14 papers from 2023 featured in the Q2 journal (JIWS- Journal of International Women’s Studies) alone, with more submissions anticipated from 2025. Beyond research dissemination, WCWS offers dynamic networking and collaborative spaces, including an exclusive partner engagement area. Our collaboration with the local NGO Bali Sruti exemplifies our commitment to community impact, featuring a post-conference visit, MoA signing, and ongoing support from TIIKM in website development and publication assistance.
Meet the people behind our success
Diana J. Fox, PhD
Conference Chair
Prof. Darlene Ajeet Miller
Steering Committee
Dr. Shazia Malik
Steering Committee
Dr. Dalea Bean
Steering Committee
Renowned Speakers
Dr. Priyanka Tripathi
Keynote speaker
(Physical)
Prof. Nupur Ray
Plenary speaker
(Physical)
Dr. Mariame Racine Sow
Plenary speaker
(Physical)
Prof. Karen Carpenter PhD; CST; PGCHE
Plenary speaker
(Virtual)
Dr. Indrani Margolin
Plenary speaker
(Virtual)
Dr. Neziswa Titi
Plenary speaker
(Virtual)
Dr. Fiona MacDonald
Plenary speaker
(Virtual)
Dr. Anke Reichenbach
Workshop speaker
(Physical)
Jaypee Yongco
Workshop speaker
(Physical)
What Makes WCWS 2026 Special?
Pre-Conference Publication Workshop
“Feminist Publishing: Prospects and Problems”
Asst. Prof. Supurna Banerjee
Workshop speaker
Pre-Conference Publication Workshop
Dr. Hind Elhinnawy
Workshop speaker
Pre-Conference Publication Workshop
“Gender Responsive Pedagogy“
Asst. Prof. Lina Gurung, PhD
Workshop speaker
Syllabi Workshop
Dr. Anke Reichenbach
Workshop Moderator
Conference Day Workshop
“Feminist Publishing and the Ethics of Care and Mentorship: Rigor with a Heart”
Diana J. Fox, PhD
Workshop Moderator
Jaypee Yongco
Workshop Speaker
Physical
Plenary Panel on
“Healing from Trauma to Reclaim Voice”
Diana J. Fox, PhD
Dr. Mariame Racine Sow
Prof. Nupur Ray
Virtual
Plenary Panel on
“Healing from Trauma to Reclaim Voice”
Prof. Darlene Ajeet Miller
Prof. Indrani Margolin
Prof. Karen Carpenter
Publication Opportunities in WCWS 2026
We believe your paper deserves to meet its ultimate research destination!
Featured Peer – Reviewed Journals
05
Special Issues
05
Regular Issues
Publication Alert: Global Voices in Women’s Studies
Journal of International Women's Studies · Vol. 28, Issue 2
JIWS Special Issue is live — featuring WCWS 2025
The peer-reviewed special issue arising from the 11th World Conference on Women’s Studies is now officially published, bringing together leading voices in gender and women’s studies from around the globe.
“It was my pleasure to deliver the keynote lecture, serve as an evaluator and participate in the 11th world conference on women’s studies. The presentations focused on critical gender issues of our day in a robust yet interesting manner. The discourses and networking opportunities with feminists and gender activists around the world were amazing.”
Dr. Natasha Mortley
Keynote speaker
“The WCWS was an truly enriching experience. It was a confluence of bright minds and passionate hearts and connections forged were more than just academic; they were profoundly inspiring, igniting a renewed sense of purpose.”
Ms Jayanti Lamichhane
Presenter
“It was an incredible experience. I felt seen, heard, and emotionally connected. I left with the belief that voices from the margins can truly illuminate the path for others. I am also planning to join WCWS next year”
Ms. Adelbertha Apriana Berkanis
Presenter
“Presenting my research at the international conference proved to be a highly rewarding experience. Grateful for the invaluable opportunity from the organizers, engaging with esteemed fellow professionals significantly boosted my enthusiasm for future collaborations.”
Ms. Mandira Subedi
Presenter
What our
attendees have to say
They believe in us !
