Women's and Gender Studies

Women's and Gender Studies emphasizes the importance of gender as a category of critical analysis in areas such as education, social relationships, culture, sexuality, literature, psychology, history, science, and politics. Students are encouraged to examine theoretical frameworks, institutions, ideologies, languages, and cultures while exploring feminist alternatives. WGST is a member of the national Women's, Gender and Social Justice Association.

In 1973, Acadia University became one of the first universities in Canada to offer a course in Women's Studies. The course, entitled Women in the Modern World, was the cornerstone of a program which over four decades has developed a multi-disciplinary and intersectional approach to teaching and research revolving around gender and sexuality issues.

Today, Acadia's WGST stands out for its 60 interdisciplinary courses, including Black Women and Politics; Gender and Race: The Changing Face of Workplace Politics; and Environmental Justice and Equity. In addition, we offer Women in Science, the only interfaculty course in Canada. And if you are intrigued by Anne of Green Gables or popular culture, then make sure to explore courses such as Children's Literature and Feminism and Popular Culture! If you study at Acadia, you will benefit from our Mentorship and Networking Opportunities, and you will have the opportunity to submit your course projects for the annual Canadian Federation of University Women Award.

For any inquiries concerning the WGST program, Co-op options, and academic advising, please contact David Duke Interim Coordinator.

Learn more about WGST

Meet Acadia University's first McCall MacBain Scholar

Acadia University student Nick Lundrigan (BA’26) is one of 19 Canadians selected to join the sixth cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars at McGill University.

More than 700 Canadian students applied for the opportunity, and the top 150 participated in the first round of interviews across the country and online. Afterward. 91 finalists were interviewed to attend the final interviews in Montreal in March.

The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, relocation, mentorship, coaching, and leadership program activities.

UN International Day March 21

To celebrate the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and in partnership with the Town of Wolfville and Welkaqnik, Cynthia Alexander has gathered colleagues, students, and guest speaker El Jones at Acadia on March 26. The event will begin with a screening of Coded Bias at the KCIC and will continue with a student dialogue from 2.30 to 4.00.

Action against Gender - based Violence

On March 13, 2026, WGST and the Office of L’nu Affairs and Indigenization held a day-long event gathering community leaders and academic researchers to discuss long-standing social and political issues concerning gender-based violence and to consider action to address this persistent problem. The two scheduled panels included the participation of Elder Dr. Lorraine Whitman (Acadia University); Emma Halpern (Director of the Elizabeth Fry Society, Mainland NS); Mariah Cooper (History and Classics, Acadia University); Michaela Dankwa (Graduate Student, School of Kinesiology); Brooke Paul (Supervisor of the Mi’kmaw Family Healing Centre); Ginger MacPhee (Director of Chrysalis House); Kathryn Bell (Psychology, Acadia University), and Cynthia Alexander (Politics, Acadia university). Interacting with the 8 panellists throughout the day, more than 30 members from the broader communities came all the way from Halifax and other parts of Nova Scotia, braving icy road conditions. This was a feast of thought and collaboration.

CFUW Award

Applications are due on March 23, 2026. Applicants are asked to submit a copy of their project along with a cover letter to the Coordinator of Women's and Gender Studies, Dr. Anne Quéma, at aquema@acadiau.ca. If part of your project cannot be sent by email, please notify the WGST Coordinator to set up a time when it can be dropped off. The 1-2 page cover letter should provide a brief abstract of the project and explain how the project relates to larger communities of concern to Women's and Gender Studies, whether they are local, national or global.

Day of Rememberance and Action on Violence against Women

On December 5, between 4.00 and 5.30, more than a hundred people joined the ceremony at the Wolfville Legion that WGST organized to commemorate the lives of the 14 women killed in 1989 at the École Polytechnique in Montreal and to reflect on the broader crisis of gender-based violence. The day was about remembering those who have experienced gender-based violence and those who we have lost to it. It was also a time to take action. As we mourned their loss and remember their lives, we reaffirmed our commitment to fight the hatred that led to this tragedy, and the misogyny that still exists today.

Breaking Barriers and Shaping Futures: The Evolution of Women in Science and Medicine

In September 2024, Dr. Randy Newman (Psychology) gave a talk titled “Breaking Barriers and Shaping Futures: The Evolution of Women in Science and Medicine” as part of the series “Grand Rounds” organized by the Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University School of Medicine.

Dr. Newman’s talk explored the ground-breaking contributions of women in science and medicine - both historical and contemporary leaders - who have challenged systemic barriers and reshaped their fields. It also examined the persistent challenges women face today and offered hopeful strategies for fostering greater equity, inclusion, and support in medical communities.

Canada's national Day of Rememberance & Action on Violence against Women

December 6th is Canada’s National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence against Women. Every year, we commemorate the lives of the 14 women who were killed on Dec 6, 1989 at the École Polytechnique in Montreal by a gunman who blamed feminists for his failures.

This event is presented by Women and Gender Studies (WGST) and the Office of the President of Acadia University. Community members are welcome to arrive starting at 3:30pm to come together and help with preparations. The ceremony will be held from 4.00-5.00 pm.

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Women's and Gender Studies