Upcoming womens studies Conferences on in May 2026

Flagship Events:

• National Women's Studies Association (NWSA) Annual Conference
• International Feminist Journal of Politics Conference
• Gender Summit (Global Series) (Various dates/locations worldwide)

Specialty Conferences:

• Women in the World Summit
• Global Fund for Women Conference
• Feminist Theory Workshop

Submission Guidelines:

1. Check deadlines ( 4-9 months in advance )
2. Prepare:

• Abstract (250-500 words; intersectional framework preferred)
• Creative submissions accepted at many conferences (art, poetry, film)

1. Presentation formats:

• Traditional academic papers
• Roundtable discussions
• Storytelling sessions
• Digital poster presentations

Pro Tip: NWSA offers "Community Activist" registration rates for non-academics.

Registration Fees:

Funding Sources:

• NWSA Travel Grants (for BIPOC/queer/disabled scholars)
• University diversity funds
• AAUW Community Action Grants
• Conference work-exchange programs (volunteer for registration discounts)

Virtual Benefits:
✓ Greater accessibility
✓ Lower carbon footprint
✓ Global participation

In-Person Value:
✓ Powerful communal spaces
✓ Interactive workshops (e.g., self-defense demos)
✓ Zine fairs and feminist bookstores pop-ups

Hybrid Note: Most conferences now offer live-streamed keynotes .

Essentials Checklist:

• Copies of your work to share
• Business cards with pronouns
• Reusable water bottle + menstrual products to share
• Comfortable clothing (many venues are "heels-optional")
• Notebook for collective brainstorming sessions

Pro Strategies:

1. Attend caucus meetings (Disability Justice Caucus, Queer Caucus etc.)
2. Participate in "speed mentoring" sessions
3. Visit the feminist presses exhibit hall
4. Use #FeministConference hashtags for live-tweeting

Most Inclusive Events:

• Women in the World Summit (60% activists, 40% academics)
• Feminist Camp (skill-building for organizers)
• Gender Justice Conference (community-based)

Critical Discussion Areas:

• Transnational reproductive justice
• Feminist climate activism
• Digital gender-based violence
• Care economy research
• Decolonizing gender frameworks

Selection Guide: