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SDG 5 Reports
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Research
Sexuality and Gender Research Group
Western’s Sexuality and Gender Research Group supports interdisciplinary research on sexuality, gender and queer studies by bringing together faculty and graduate students from Arts and Humanities and other disciplines across the university. The group creates space for scholarly dialogue through academic talks and its annual Queer Research Day, a full-day event featuring paper and poster presentations on sexuality and gender research. With events that are free and open to the Western community, the group strengthens campus-wide engagement with gender equity, 2SLGBTQIA+ scholarship and inclusive academic inquiry.
PARTAKE Africa: Gender-Transformative Agroecology Research
Western geography and environment professor Isaac Luginaah received nearly $2.5 million in SSHRC Partnership Grant funding in 2025 to lead PARTAKE Africa, a seven-year international research project focused on agroecology, food security and equity in African communities. The project brings together researchers, community partners and farmers to support knowledge sharing and training in areas such as agroecology, biodiversity, gender equality, food loss and food safety. By centering gender-transformative and youth-inclusive approaches, PARTAKE Africa advances research on how rural women and young people can play a stronger role in shaping sustainable and equitable food systems.
Teaching
Linamar Scholarship
The Linamar Scholarships at Western will support up to 10 female students in the dual degree program in Engineering and Business (BESc/HBA). The scholarship provides half of the tuition for all years of the dual degree program, summer co-op, and guaranteed employment.
Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies Curriculum
Western’s Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies offers interdisciplinary undergraduate modules that examine how gender, sexuality, race, class, disability and other forms of identity shape everyday experiences, institutions and social structures. Through courses in feminist theory, sexuality studies, health, queer and legal issues, violence against women, workplace equity and women in the creative arts, students develop critical tools to understand gender-based inequality across historical, cultural and political contexts. The program encourages students to analyze power, representation and social justice while preparing them to apply gender-aware perspectives in research, advocacy, policy, education and community work.Outreach
Women in Science
Women in Science Western is a student-led organization that supports women and gender-diverse students in science through mentorship, networking, outreach and professional development. The group creates opportunities for students to connect with peers, faculty and professionals, while promoting visibility and representation in STEM fields. Through events, community-building initiatives and educational programming, Women in Science Western helps foster a more inclusive science community and encourages students to pursue academic and career pathways in research, health, technology and related disciplines.
International Women’s Day
Western Research Parks hosted Shaping the Future Together, an International Women’s Day celebration presented by Western’s Innovation & Strategic Partnerships portfolio, including Strategic Partnerships and the Western Technology Transfer Office. Held on March 6, 2025, the event recognized the contributions of women in innovation while creating an inclusive space for connection, learning and inspiration. Through themed discussion tables, an inspiration zone and networking opportunities, the event encouraged meaningful conversations about women in the workplace, innovation, leadership and community-building.
Expanding iHEAL for Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence
Western researchers expanded the evidence-based iHEAL program in 2025 through partnerships with Middlesex-London Health Unit and Southwestern Public Health. Developed by Western researchers with partners at the University of British Columbia and University of New Brunswick, iHEAL provides personalized nursing support for women who have experienced or are experiencing intimate partner violence. The 2025 expansion, supported by $2.4 million from Ontario’s Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, also allows researchers to study how the program can be embedded in public health systems and scaled to reach women in more communities across Canada.
USC Gender Equity and Health Committee
Western USC’s Gender Equity and Health Committee enhances the student experience through gender equity advocacy and health promotion on campus. In 2025, the committee recruited students in advocacy, event and communication roles to develop educational programming, events and campaigns related to gender equity, gender diversity, sexual health and overall wellness. By creating student-led opportunities for awareness-building and peer engagement, the committee supports a more inclusive campus culture while encouraging students to take an active role in advancing equity and well-being at Western.
Explore more SDG 5 related courses
Operations
Gender-Based & Sexual Violence Advisory Committee
The Gender-Based & Sexual Violence (GBSV) Advisory Committee at Western works to address and prevent gender-based and sexual violence on campus. Its efforts are guided by Western’s Gender-Based and Sexual Violence Policy (MAPP 1.52) and Non-Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy (MAPP 1.35), which outline prevention, reporting and response processes. The committee also supports a safer, more inclusive environment through recommendations, while the Human Rights Office and Wellness & Well-being services provide education and support.
Women’s Only
Western’s Sports & Recreation Services offers Women’s Only programming and spaces to support safer and more inclusive recreation opportunities for female-identifying members. Developed in collaboration with Western’s EDI Office, the program includes Women’s Only studio time from September to April, with access to fitness equipment such as studio bars, dumbbells, stability balls, steps and mats. Western also offers Women’s Only intramural leagues across several sports, as well as Women’s Only swim times. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to support equity-deserving groups in accessing welcoming recreation spaces.
Parental Leave Policy
Western’s Pregnancy, Parental and Adoption Leave resources support employees planning time away from work for caring for childbirth, caring for newborns or adoption. The program explains available leave options, including pregnancy leave, parental leave for birth or adoptive parents, and eligibility for government Employment Insurance benefits. Western also provides Supplemental Employment Insurance Benefits for eligible faculty and staff to help top up income during leave. As an institutional operations policy, this support helps employees balance work and family responsibilities while promoting a more inclusive and family-supportive workplace.
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Research
GEMS Research Lab
The Gender, Equity, Media & Society (GEMS) Lab is a collaborative research space for scholars and students interested in exploring issues related to gender, equity, media, and society. Rooted in intersectional feminist values, the lab emphasizes inclusivity, care, reciprocity, and community-based approaches to research. Through regular meetings, members discuss academic literature, develop and share research, and engage in professional development. The lab envisions a future where critical, empathetic, and inclusive thinking drives meaningful scholarship and positive societal change.
Sexuality and Gender Research Group
The Sexuality and Gender Research Group brings together researchers from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities with scholars in other disciplines to discuss questions of sexuality and gender. Every year, the group hosts several academic talks as well as Queer Research Day every April, a full-day event involving both papers and poster presentations.
Teaching
Linamar Scholarship
The Linamar Scholarships at Western will support up to 10 female students in the dual degree program in Engineering and Business (BESc/HBA). The scholarship includes half of the tuition for all years of the dual degree program, summer co-op, and guaranteed employment.
Women of Ivey
The Ivey Business School supports and
celebrates women pursuing an MBA through a range of resources that encourage success in business education and leadership. The initiative offers mentorship, networking opportunities, scholarships, and dedicated support throughout the recruitment and application process. By creating a welcoming and collaborative environment, Ivey is committed to removing barriers and helping women thrive in their academic and professional journeys.
Women in Asset Management
Ivey Business School's Women in Asset Management program aims to boost female presence in Canada's asset management industry. This tuition-free program, subsidized by corporate sponsors, offers a combination of in-class training and a subsequent internship, designed for second-year female university students across Canada.
Outreach
The Learning Network
The Learning Network enhances the capacity of those working to end gender-based violence by connecting research, practice, and lived experience. Through accessible resources, webinars, podcasts, and community partnerships, it promotes trauma-informed approaches, evolving language, and best practices. The initiative supports service providers across sectors to prevent violence, support survivors, and advance gender equity.
Women in Science
Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children
The CREVAWC was established in 1992 following a national study on violence against women, prompted by the 1989 École Polytechnique de Montréal tragedy. CREVAWC reflects Western’s commitment to public service and advancing knowledge. It collaborates with local, national, and academic partners to confront systemic barriers to the safety and well-being of women and children, addressing community-based issues and works to disrupt cycles of gender-based violence in homes, workplaces, and communities.
Girls in Engineering
Operations
Women's Only
Western’s Sports & Recreation offers Women’s Only programming and spaces to create safe, inclusive environments for female-identifying members. Developed in collaboration with the Western EDI office, these offerings support individuals’ right to participate in spaces that feel appropriate and respectful to them. The initiative encourages trust, inclusivity, and respect within the campus recreation community.Child Care
Western provides access to licensed childcare through the on-site University Child Care Centre, operated by the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, offering full- and part-time care for children aged 2 weeks to 4 years. Additional resources, including information on other licensed childcare centres, parenting support, and prenatal services, are available through the Child Care & Schooling and Resources for Parents platforms. Established by the Society of Graduate Students, the Western Day Care Centre continues to offer a safe environment tailored to the diverse needs of young children.
Gender-Based & Sexual Violence Advisory Committee
The Gender-Based & Sexual Violence Advisory Committee at Western aims to transform campus culture by addressing and preventing gender-based and sexual violence. The committee makes strategic recommendations to foster a safer and more inclusive environment. Western University values respect and diversity, providing a range of services under Wellness & Well-being to prevent harm, respond to reports, and support those affected by gender-based and sexual violence, ensuring a supportive campus community.
