The 10th World Conference on
Women’s Studies 2024
(WCWS 2024)
- 30th -31st May 2024
- Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Hybrid Conference
Theme: Change-makers: Women’s Studies Scholar-Activism Across the Disciplines
Welcome to WCWS 2024
Welcome to the 10th World Conference on Women’s Studies, which will take place from 30th – 31st May 2024 in Colombo, Sri Lanka (Hybrid Platform), exploring the latest research, ideas, and solutions related to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and social justice. This conference is a unique opportunity to connect with leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world, and to engage in a global conversation about the most pressing issues facing women and marginalized communities today.
As we mark the 10th anniversary of WCWS, we reflect on the progress that has been made in advancing gender equality and women’s rights, and the challenges that still lie ahead. From the persistent gender pay gap to the ongoing fight for reproductive justice, we are reminded of the urgent need for collective action and transformative change. Through a range of dynamic and engaging sessions, this conference will provide a platform for sharing ideas, forging new partnerships, and generating innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We invite you to join us in this exciting and thought-provoking event, and to be part of the global movement towards a more equitable and just society.
Purpose of WCWS 2024
“Uplifting Global Feminism”
The purpose of the World Conference on Women’s Studies is to offer participants an enriching opportunity to deepen knowledge of global feminisms along with the theoretical, policy, and personal dimensions of Women’s Studies scholar-activism worldwide, engaging with intersecting fields of Gender and Sexuality Studies and the many disciplines that constitute Women’s Studies—all toward building collaborative partnerships, offering publishing opportunities, and enacting visions of a more equitable and liberal world.
This gathering is dedicated to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an ambitious blueprint for a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable world.
Get your Research published with WCWS 2024
Join us at WCWS 2024, where excellence prevails with over 100 Scopus-indexed publications backing our remarkable track record. Connect with global experts, ignite innovation, and elevate your profile on a prestigious platform. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a thriving legacy – register now and shape the future of your academia!
Resource Persons
Prof. Diana J. Fox
Conference Chair
Director of Institute for Gender and Development Studies (IGDS)
Regional Coordinating Office of The University of the West Indies (UWI),
Jamaica
Dr. Sue-Ann Barratt
Keynote Speaker
Head - Institute for Gender and Development Studies
The University of the West Indies, St.
Augustine Campus
West Indies
Prof. Shoba Rajgopal
Keynote Speaker
Westfield State University
USA
Dr. O. Sipuka
Plenary Speaker
Dean of Students
University of South Africa
South Africa
Francesca Braga
Plenary Speaker
Legal Consultant for the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies
Goddes Hope Libiran
Plenary Speaker
Deputy Minister, Department of Budget and Management, Republic of the Philippines;
One-Star General, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary;
Journalist and Social Media Influencer;
Media and PR Strategist
Dr. Alexis Palfreyman
Panel Speaker
UCL and CIVAH
Sri Lanka
Special Features
Forum on “Contemporary Challenges in Women’s Mental Health”
Date: 30th May 2024 | Time: 13:30 - 15.00 (IST)
Dr. Alexis Palfreyman
Moderator
Biography
UCL and CIVAH
Sri Lanka
Dr. Giselle Dass
Panelist
Biography
Dr. Giselle Dass is a psychologist and the founding director of the Child, Adolescent and Family Services (CAFS) in Sri Lanka. CAFS which is a not-for-profit mental health service has been Giselle’s dream ever since she returned to Sri Lanka in 2015 after completing her MSc in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at King’s College London, prior to which she held a BSc in Psychology and Counselling. She also holds a PhD in Population Health Sciences from the University of Bristol, where her research focused on children and adolescents exposed to domestic violence in Northern Sri Lanka and how best to integrate the school and healthcare systems for better identification and support. She is also a visiting lecturer at the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo and consults for a number of private and international organisations involved in projects focusing on the mental health of children and adolescents. Giselle is also a director of THEME Institute which is a not-for-profit think tank conducting multidisciplinary research in Sri Lanka in collaboration with several international and local universities and donors. In addition to this, Dr. Dass holds a wealth of experience in both the humanitarian and mental health settings. This includes her previous work with stranded and irregular migrants at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – UN agency and also her work at the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. Her experience also ranges from project development to implementation to monitoring and evaluation, with a special interest in post-conflict populations.
Prof. Miyuru Chandradasa
Panelist
Biography
Professor in Psychiatry
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Head of the Department
Department of Psychiatry
Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
Sri Lanka
Professor Miyuru Chandradasa is the Head of the Department of Psychiatry, a Professor in Psychiatry, and a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the University of Kelaniya. He is the only remaining child psychiatrist for all twelve medical faculties in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Suhashini Ratnatunga
Panelist
Biography
Dr. Suhashini Ratnatunga is a senior lecturer at the faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo and an honorary consultant psychiatrist at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. She is also the lead consultant of the Mother Baby Unit of the De Soysa Maternity Hospital for Women. A pioneering unit that specializes in providing inward psychiatry care for women with severe mental illnesses during the post partum period. Her specialist interest areas include women’s mental health and liaison psychiatry.
Forum on “Violence and the Body - Understanding the Impact of Child Sexual Abuse in Sri Lanka and Unpacking the Modalities of Releasing Individual and Institutional Harm”
Alia Whitney-Johnson
Moderator
Biography
Founder & CEO
Emerge Lanka Foundation
Alia is an experienced social entrepreneur with over fifteen years of experience working with children who’ve endured trauma, sexual abuse, and exploitation. She founded Emerge at the age of 19 after a tsunami relief trip to Sri Lanka and has remained deeply involved ever since. She is also the Co-Founder of Freedom Forward, a non-profit that is working to prevent the commercial sexual exploitation of youth in San Francisco through systems change. Alia has experience as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company and has served on several boards including the MIT Corporation (MIT’s board of trustees), SERES Global, and Emerge Lanka Foundation (www.emergelanka.org). She holds a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Oxford, where she studied as a Rhodes Scholar.
Monroe
Jayasuriya
Panelist
Biography
Chief Executive Officer
LEADS Sri Lanka
Sulochana
Dissanayake
Panelist
Biography
Founder and Artistic Director – Power of Play
Dr. Thush Wickremanayake
Panelist
Biography
Chairperson, Stop Child Cruelty Trust
Rekha Krishnamoorthy
Panelist
Biography
Rekha Krishnamoorthy is a former strategy consultant turned inner well-being consultant. She is deeply passionate about the ways in which people can live more consciously, for ultimate wellbeing, and balance. Rekha is also the co-founder of Kalyana SL, a not-for-profit whose commitment lies in transforming the mental health landscape in Sri Lanka through education, advocacy, collaboration, and community-building.
Publication Workshop “Be Bold: Publishing to Make a Difference”
“Join our empowering workshop, ‘Be Bold: Publishing to Make a Difference’, designed for aspiring authors and researchers eager to amplify their impact. Gain invaluable insights, tips, and strategies to navigate the world of publishing with purpose and influence positive change. Elevate your voice and make a lasting difference through your work. Don’t miss this opportunity to step boldly into the realm of impactful publishing!”
Harmony in Diversity Gala Dinner
Date: 30th May 2024 | After Conference
Join us for an enchanting Networking Dinner at the WCWS 2024 which offers a unique opportunity to connect, engage, and build meaningful relationships with influential leaders, academics, activists, practitioners, industry experts, and passionate individuals in the field of Women’s Studies. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of camaraderie, where like-minded individuals gather to celebrate women’s achievements and discuss the path to a more inclusive future.
Trailblazing Talks
Date: 30th May 2024 | Time: 3.30 – 4.30 PM IST
Are you ready to expand your professional network, forge valuable connections, and engage with like-minded individuals in your field? Then join our exclusive Networking Session during the conference!
This highly anticipated event is designed to create a dynamic platform for attendees to interact, exchange ideas, and foster meaningful relationships. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, this session offers a unique opportunity to connect with the peers who share your passion and aspirations.
Join Us in Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the WCWS with a Spectacular Pre-Conference Workshop Series!
Pre-Conference Workshop on "Be Bold: Pushing Boundaries in Presentation Delivery" by Prof. Diana J. Fox
Date: 13th February 2024 | Time: 18:00 IST
In honour of a decade of empowering conversations and shared knowledge, we are thrilled to introduce this special pre-conference workshop. Join us as we delve into the art of impactful presentation delivery, challenging the traditional norms and embracing bold, innovative approaches.
Translating Research Findings into Publishable Papers: some insights from a journal editor by Dr Ruby Chau
Date: 18th March 2024 | Time: 11:30 IST
This workshop offers practical strategies for transforming research findings into compelling, publishable papers, with expert advice from a journal editor on navigating peer review and publication processes.
Pre Conference Workshop on “Interdisciplinarity and Women's Studies Publications” by Prof. Samita Sen
Date: 02nd April 2024 | Time: 16:30 IST
This workshop explores the intersection of interdisciplinarity and Women’s Studies publications. Participants will delve into how interdisciplinary approaches can enrich and expand the scope of research within Women’s Studies, fostering innovative perspectives.
WCWS 2024 Highlights
We cordially invite you to attend WCWS 2024, which has been meticulously designed to provide a rich and dynamic platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge.
In addition, attendees will have access to a series of engaging workshops led by esteemed experts, which will enable them to develop and enhance their skills in their respective fields.
Whether you choose to attend in person or virtually, our event promises to be a valuable and enriching experience
The event will offer unparalleled opportunities to participate in international networking with leading scholars, researchers, and professionals from across the globe.
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With over 850+ participants from more than 50 countries and 300+ universities worldwide, the WCWS series has established itself as one of the most highly regarded Women’s Studies conferences in the world. From groundbreaking research to insightful discussions and thought-provoking presentations, the conference series provides an exceptional platform for presenters and attendees to learn from the best in the field and collaborate with like-minded professionals.
Session Chairs
- Abigail Akande, Penn State University – Abington College, United States
- Prof. Morgan Mok-Won Park, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen, China
- Zintle Ntshongwana, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
- Gowri Parameswaran, SUNY at New Paltz, United States
- Andrea O’Reilly, York University, Canada
- Daljit Kaur, Francis Marion University, United States
- Betty Jingjing Hou, Nanjing Normal University
- U. H. Ruhina Jesmin, Khulna University, Bangladesh
- Thilini Wijetunge, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka
- Christina Marouli, Deree – American College of Greece, Greece
- Dr. Najma Iqbal Malik, University of Sargodha, Pakistan
- Adelfa C. Silor, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines
- Omphile Tshepo, Cooporate Madiba North-West University, South Africa
- Shyamkiran Kaur, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Instittute of Technology, India
- Bhushan Sharma, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, India
Evaluation Panel Members
- Diana J. Fox, Director of Institute for Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), Regional Coordinating Office of The University of the West Indies (UWI), Jamaica
- Dr( Mrs). Nirosha Wedasinghe, Director, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka
- Dr( Mrs). Lakshika Liyanage, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka
- Dr Geeta Kubsad, Pravin Gandhi College of Law, India
- Shoba Rajgopal, Westfield State University, USA
- Shyamkiran Kaur, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, India
- Vijayapala Sinnathambi, Social Scientist, Sri Lanka
- Malieka Farah Deeba, Bahria University Islamabad, Pakistan
- C. Fowmina, Vinayaka Mission’s Law School, India
- P. Sindhuja, Alagappa University, Sri Lanka
- Bhushan Sharma, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, India
- Mary Fil M. Bauyot, Davao Oriental State University, Philippines
- Aradhana Vaidya, SGB Amravati University, India
- Ramesh Singisala, Guru Nanak Institutions Technical Campus, India
- Rahat Zubair Malik, Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan
- Pramod Kumar Gupta, University of Lucknow, India
- Hasini Rathnamala, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka
- Dr Krishanthi Anandawansa, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka
- Dr Thilini Wijethunga, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka
- Pof. Dr. Priya Grover, Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS),Noida, Constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), India
- Ranu Tomar, Amity University, India
- Dr. K. Bhavana Raj, Institute of Public Enterprise Hyderabad, India
Call for Speakers
Listen to passionate Speakers from worldwide to share their treasured knowledge and experiences at the WCWS 2024. The WCWS 2024 aims to ignite conversations, spark innovation, and empower individuals to shape the future of women globally.
If you would like to join as a Keynote or Plenary Speaker, the “Call for Speakers” is now open. By joining us as a speaker, you will have the opportunity to contribute to this powerful movement and leave a lasting impact on attendees.
Scholarship Program
Discover your potential through the WCWS Scholarship Program! We provide partial registration fee waive-offs to support your conference participation. Apply for an opportunity to receive a scholarship and join us in this transformative experience.
Be a Volunteer!
Are you enthusiastic about creating an impact and do you possess a keen desire to offer your abilities, passion, and commitment to a vibrant team? Become an essential part of our conference team and help create an unforgettable experience for our participants.
Publication Opportunities in WCWS 2024
ABSTRACT BOOK
- ISBN 978-624-5746-60-6
- COPE Standard
- Double-blind peer-reviewing from World-class Scientific Committee
- Available Online
- Papers from
- 100+ authors*
- 40+ countries*
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
- ISSN 2424-6743
- High quality double-blind peer-reviewing
- Open Access via Online Journal System
- Google Scholar
- Crossref Coverage
- PlumX Metrics
- Maintaining the high quality standards
- Submission to major indexing
PUBLISHELP
“A Breakthrough Free TIIKM Project To Make Your Research Publication Possible”
- This is a free project which is designed to help you to develop your full papers up to the standard.
- We provide preliminary reviews for your full paper with the world-class publication “steering committee” prior to the conference.
- Reviewed and revised paper with constructive inputs will make your paper more likely to be accepted by high standard journals.
Click here to need support to publish your paper
WCWS 2024 has amplified its Publication Opportunities partnering with TIIKM Publishing to locate your research to the right destination.
Peer-Reviewed Journals
Conference participants have the option to receive support to develop their papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals published by internationally renowned publishers. TIIKM will help you develop your paper to a high quality prior to submission to increase your chances of being published.
Celebrating Diversity and Empowerment: Reflections from WCWS Participants
We take pride in developing positive relationships with our participants and hearing positive feedback about our Conference. Read on to find out what they have to say about WCWS!
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Our Conference Partners
Co - Hosting Partner
The Asian-African Association for Women, Gender, and Sexuality
Co - Hosting Partner
Bridgewater State University,
USA
Co - Hosting Partner
Institute for Gender and Development Studies,
The University of the West Indies
Academic Partner
Davao del Norte State College,
Philippines
Academic Partner
Hingalganj Mahavidyalaya College, West Bengal State University, India
Academic Partner
Rajiv Gandhi National
University of Law,
India
Academic Partner
University of South Africa
Academic Partner
The Center for Gender Equity and Equality of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (CGEE- KDU), Sri Lanka
Strategic Partner
Women in Managment (WIM), Sri Lanka
Strategic Partner
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau
Tour Partner
Globeenjoy Tours
Event Partner
TIIKM Events
Organized By
The International Institute of Knowledge Management
Organized By
- The International Institute of Knowledge Management
- #531/18, Kotte road, Pitakotte.
- +94 11 799 2022 / +94 76 573 3737
- isanka.gamage@tiikmedu.com
- www.tiikm.com