• The 13th World Conference on Women's Studies
  • WCWS 2027
  • 26—28 May 2027
  • Siem Reap · Cambodia
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From Theory to Practice: The WCWS Series Impact

WCWS series impact through community gathering and cultural knowledge exchange

The WCWS series impact goes far beyond academic discussions. The World Conference on Women’s Studies (WCWS) Series continues to provide a platform for scholars from around the world to share their research, exchange ideas, and contribute to the advancement of Women’s Studies. Beyond supporting academic discussions, the series also creates meaningful opportunities for scholars and makes a positive difference in society. Here, we highlight some of the key ways the WCWS Series gives back to society and creates a lasting impact.

Throughout the WCWS series, more than 100 research papers have been published across nine (9) volumes in a Scopus-indexed special issue of The Journal of International Women’s Studies which is an online, open-access, peer-reviewed feminist journal. It provides a platform for researchers, activists, and students to explore gender and sexuality through academic research, discussion, and practical perspectives, in addition to the research shared through the conference proceedings.

Through these publications, WCWS has helped bring research from scholars around the world to a wider audience. More people have been able to access, learn from, and build on these research findings. This has also helped researchers gain greater visibility for their work, connect with a wider academic community, and support their professional and academic growth. You can explore the published research through the following link: https://womenstudies.tiikm.com/publication/

The WCWS Series Impact on Global Research
Community Gathering in Chiang Mai

Apart from this, several important activities and special segments have been part of the recent WCWS conferences (2026 and 2025). One of the most memorable was the Community Gathering, organised in collaboration with the Women’s Education for Advancement and Empowerment (WEAVE) Foundation in Thailand. Unlike a traditional conference session, the Community Gathering was a lively, community-focused event that brought people together to explore women’s empowerment across different communities in Chiang Mai. It offered an opportunity to learn from local experiences, share stories, and build connections across cultures and borders. The gathering included three connected activities: Women’s Stories, the Cultural Knowledge Exchange Station, and a moderated panel discussion. One of the highlights was the panel discussion, which brought together four inspiring women leaders from organisations across Northern Thailand and the Thai-Myanmar border region. Their stories offered valuable insights into the realities, struggles, and aspirations of women in the region.

Cultural Knowledge Stations were another meaningful part of WCWS. Each station gave participants the opportunity to explore Indigenous knowledge and practices and understand how they contribute to women’s empowerment. The three stations were Threads of Identity (Traditional Weaving and Embroidery), Healing Wisdom (Indigenous Herbal Knowledge and Women’s Health), and Pathways of Hope (Community and Social Enterprises and Sustainable Livelihoods). At each station, participants could interact directly with practitioners, connect with local communities, and learn about traditional practices that continue to shape people’s identities, health, and daily lives. This experience encouraged hands-on learning and cultural exchange. It also became one of the most notable parts of WCWS, helping participants appreciate women’s resilience, shared experiences, and the strength that comes from supporting and working together.

Bali Sruti Foundation Collaboration

Another initiative was launched as part of the 11th World Conference on Women’s Studies (WCWS 2025), reflecting the conference’s commitment to turning ideas into meaningful action. Inspired by the vision of Conference Chair Professor Diana J. Fox, the WCWS community visited the Bali Sruti Foundation in May 2025 and began a meaningful collaboration. As part of this initiative, WCWS supported the development and launch of the foundation’s official website, helping to strengthen its online presence and reach a wider global audience.

The WCWS series has always aimed to go beyond being just an academic conference. It creates opportunities to turn research, ideas, and discussions into meaningful actions that can make a positive difference. The 13th World Conference on Women’s Studies (WCWS 2027) will bring together a global community in Siem Reap, Cambodia, continuing a 12-year journey of promoting conversations on gender equality and women’s issues. Building on the success of WCWS 2026 in Chiang Mai, the 2027 conference will focus on the theme “Striving for Gender Justice through Women’s Studies Scholar-Activism.”

If you are a researcher who wants to be part of something that goes beyond academic discussions, this is an opportunity to connect with like-minded people, share your research, explore new perspectives, and make a real contribution. Join us at WCWS 2027 and be part of a global conversation that aims to turn knowledge into action and ideas into impact.

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