News and Events

  • November 26, 2026 – “The Real Reason the US/Israel Attacked Iran: Reflections on the Middle East and Global Disorder,” with Dr. Nader Hashemi

    Join us for an event co-sponsored by the President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity, and Decolonization (PACHRED), Social Justice Research Institute (SJRI), MA in Social Justice and Equity Studies (SJES), and Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies (WGST) in Plaza 600F on Thursday, November 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM for a talk by Dr. Nader Hashemi: The Real Reason the US/Israel Attacked Iran: Reflections on the Middle East and Global Disorder.

    Dr. Hashemi is the Director of the Alwaleed Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding and an Associate Professor of Middle East and Islamic Politics at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He obtained his doctorate from the Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto and previously was an Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow at Northwestern University and a Visiting Assistant Professor at the UCLA Global Institute. Dr. Hashemi was previously the founding Director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. While there, he was also Co-Director of the Religion and International Affairs certificate program, as well as the Political Theory Initiative. His intellectual and research interests lie at the intersection of comparative politics and political theory, in particular debates on the global rise of authoritarianism, religion and democracy, secularism and its discontents, Middle East and Islamic politics, democratic and human rights struggles in non-Western societies and Islam-West relations. He is the author of Islam, Secularism and Liberal Democracy: Toward a Democratic Theory for Muslim Societies (Oxford University Press, 2009) and co-editor of The People Reloaded: The Green Movement and the Struggle for Iran’s Future (Melville House, 2011), The Syria Dilemma (MIT Press, 2013), Sectarianization: Mapping the New Politics of the Middle East (Oxford University Press, 2017) and a four-volume study on Islam and Human Rights: Critical Concepts in Islamic Studies (Routledge, 2023). He is frequently interviewed by PBS, NPR, CNN, Al Jazeera, Alternative Radio, Pacifica Radio and the BBC and his writings have appeared in the New York Times, Newsweek, Wall Street Journal, The Nation, Al Jazeera Online, CNN.com among other media outlets. He is also a Non-Resident Fellow at Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN).

    Thursday, November 26, 2026, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
    Plaza Room 600F at Brock University

    A Palestinian buffet will be provided.

    This is a FREE event, however, we ask that attendees register on ExperienceBU in advance and arrive by 5:45 PM so everyone can be seated at the start time. Anyone not able to register through ExperienceBU will be registered at the door.

    Co-sponsored by the President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity, and Decolonization; Social Justice Research Institute; Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies; and MA in Social Justice and Equity Studies.

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  • November 12, 2026 – Talking Back, Talking Together: A Community Town Hall on Gender-Based and Homophobic Violence

    Please join the Office for Human Rights and Equity (HREO) and the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies (WGST) for “Talking Back, Talking Together: A Community Town Hall on Gender-Based and Homophobic Violence.”

    This Town Hall is being held in response to recent issues of gender-based violence and violence affecting 2S&LGBTQI+ communities in St. Catharines, and will provide an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to ask questions, learn about Brock and community-based supports and resources, and share their perspectives and concerns. Community organizations based in St. Catharines will also be attendance to table, share resources, and participate in the community conversations that will take place.

    Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 4:00pm to 5:30pm
    Goodman Atrium at Brock University

    Join us to:

    • Build on Brock’s activist roots: Understand past student mobilization and identify next steps.
    • Take collective action: Hold institutions accountable and challenge systemic violence.
    • Build community safety: Mobilize across student, staff, faculty, and local networks.
    • Access resources: Discover campus supports and Niagara community partner organizations.

    Free food will be provided!

    To register and learn more, visit the event page on ExperienceBU!

    Discussion will be moderated by Farrah Khan, Dr. Ryan Persadie, and Carissa Taylor.

    Learn more about our moderators:

    Read more

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  • November 3, 2026 – “The World We Long For” Book Tour Event with Vivek Shraya and Kai Cheng Thom

    Join us on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. in South Block 215 for this exciting book tour event with two of Canada’s most beloved trans authors as they celebrate the release of two works of fiction exploring dystopian and utopian worlds that are frightening, fantastical, and not so far away from the world we live in today: Vivek Shraya’s The Hystericals, and Kai Cheng Thom’s The Shapeshifter’s Guide To Gym Class.

    As communities around the world face the ongoing impacts of social, political, economic and environmental crises, visionary stories such as these are more important than ever. Trans and queer communities will be celebrated at this powerful and healing event, and all allies and book lovers are welcome.

    Monday, November 3, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m.
    South Block Room 215 at Brock University

    This is a FREE event! Attendees can register on ExperienceBU.

    Co-sponsored by The President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity, and Decolonization, the 2S&LGBTQIA+ Working Group, the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies; the MA in Social Justice and Equity Studies, and the Social Justice Research Institute.

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  • April 6, 2026 – “Vibrations From Gaza” (2023) Film Screening and Discussion

    Please join us on April 6th from 12-2pm for a screening and panel discussion of the award winning short film, Vibrations from Gaza (2023). The director, Rehab Nazzal (joining us virtually from Bethlehem) and Norma Rantisi (Concordia) who will be here in person, will discuss the film and its reception.

    Vibrations from Gaza offers a glimpse into the experiences of Deaf children in the colonized and confined coastal territory of Gaza, Palestine. Born and raised under siege and frequent onslaughts, these children, including Amani, Musa, Israa, and others, provide vivid accounts of their encounter with bombardment and the constant presence of drones in their sky. The children describe their perceptions of missiles strikes through sensing vibrations in the air, trembling of the ground, and the resonance of collapsing buildings. The film also questions whether the deafness of these children is a natural or a consequence of Israel’s use of sonic weaponry, such as sonic booms.

    With support from the Ontario Arts Council, Rehab Nazzal embarked on a journey to Gaza Strip via Egypt, circumventing the restrictions placed by the Israeli occupation regime which prohibits access to Gaza from the West Bank, without individual permits—rarely issued. While in Gaza, Nazzal worked with children in an Art Therapy program following 2021 attack. She was deeply touched by the conditions and experiences of Deaf children at the Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children and began questioning the deafness of the world towards the conditions of 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza.

    This film gives Palestinian Deaf children in the besieged Gaza a voice to articulate and share their experiences, shedding light on the horrific conditions they have been enduring since 2007.

    Monday, April 6, 2026, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
    Sankey Chambers at Brock University

    The event is free and a Palestinian lunch will be served. All are welcome. RSVP through ExperienceBU. 

    Co-hosted by: The President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity, and Decolonization and the Social Justice Research Institute. Co-sponsored by: the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies; the MA in Social Justice and Equity Studies; and the Muslim Medical Association of Canada (MMAC)—Niagara Chapter.

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  • March 31, 2026 – Free Yoga Session with the Centre

    Join the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as we de-stress before exams and get active! This 50-minute yoga session will be led by Rianna Reid, a WGST student and yoga teacher based in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

    Yoga mats and blocks can be provided. Advance registration through ExperienceBU is required to attend, as space and supplies are limited. The session will begin at 11:10 am and run until noon, however, all participants are required to arrive by 11:00 am to set up and for opening remarks. The session is being held at the Dance Studio (room 202) in the Walker Sports Complex at Brock University. It is free to attend.

    Following the session, we welcome everyone to join us at Tim Hortons at the Hungry Badger in Walker Complex for a lunchtime social!

    Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 11:00am to 12:00pm
    Dance Studio, Room 202, Walker Sports Complex at Brock University

    Hosted by the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies.

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  • March 26, 2026 – Artful Resilience: Moving Beyond Denialism

    As part of the ongoing commitment to residential school denialism and honouring Indigenous survivance, resilience, and good relations, the Decolonization Working Group of PACHRED is hosting Artful Resilience: Moving Beyond Denialism on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

    They invite students, staff, and faculty to share their creative work at a community art gathering. All art forms are welcome (music, poetry, visual art, storytelling, performance, and more) as ways of remembering, witnessing, and imagining otherwise together. Everyone is invited to join in learning.

    The first 15 artists to register will be invited to share their work for up to 5 minutes each. This gathering is meant to be a respectful, supportive space for creative expression, reflection, and connection. Each presenting artist will receive a $50 Tim Horton’s gift card as an expression of gratitude and appreciation. To begin the process of registering as an artist, apply through the artists’ registration on ExperienceBU.

    Faculty, staff, and students who wish to attend should register through the general event registration on ExperienceBU. Community members are invited to email Allison at [email protected].

    Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
    Goodman Atrium at Brock University

    Dinner will be catered by Nokomis Eve’s Traditional Foods. 

    Hosted by: the President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity, and Decolonization’s Decolonization Working Group. Sponsored by: the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies, the Office of Human Rights and Equity, Indigenous Educational Studies, and the Vice-Provost of Indigenous Engagement.

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  • March 23, 2026 – Flowers For Her Future Fundraiser

    In honour of International Women’s Day, Brocku Women in Self-Defense invites you to Flowers For Her Future, an evening rooted in creativity, connection, and collective impact.

    Your ticket gives you full access to all activities: flower bouquets, making friendship bracelets, contributing to a collaborative club tapestry, and hearing from a guest speaker from the @defensive_arts who works directly with women in their training sessions. You’ll also enjoy special food and dessert stations, take part in our one-year anniversary cake-cutting, have a chance to win a prize, and take home a small gift that grows into something special. BUWSD is also excited to welcome a guest speaker from the Defensive Arts Training Centre (DATC), the organization that has supported and led many of their self-defense sessions. They’ll be sharing a few words during the event about the importance of self-defense and confidence.

    Attendees are required to secure their ticket beforehand. Even if you RSVP, your ticket will not be confirmed until payment is received. Payments can be made via e-transfer to [email protected]. Entry is $6.50, which includes access to all activities, a bouquet to create, and food.  Every dollar raised will go directly toward donations for Westview Centre4Women, a local organization that provides resources and support for women in the Niagara region.

    Monday, March 23, 2026, from 4:00pm to 7:30pm
    Pond Inlet at Brock University

    Hosted by Brocku Womein in Self-Defense. Co-sponsored by the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies and Masala Corner Hamilton. With support from the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre; the Child and Youth Studies Association; Plant-Based at Brock; Women in STEM; Brock BIPOC Sisters in STEM; and Brock Students for Circular Economy.

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  • February 11, 2026 – Special Gathering to Honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People

    Join students from the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies for a meaningful gathering dedicated to remembrance, reflection, and education in honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people. This event is grounded in creating a respectful space to acknowledge the lives lost, the ongoing violence faced by Indigenous communities, and the systemic failures that continue to enable this crisis.

    Participants will have the opportunity to hear from Dr. Lyn Trudeau, who will reflect on the significance of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people and the importance of remembrance, relationality, and care. Dr. Jennifer Brant will further contribute to the learning and community presence at the event. Following these reflections, participants will take part in creating red paper dresses, each accompanied by a short note to honour those who have been lost and to acknowledge the ongoing impacts of colonial violence and gender-based harm against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. This gathering aims to foster collective reflection, learning, and solidarity through both dialogue and creative engagement.

    A free lunch will be provided. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to ensure the Centre is able to provide enough free food and refreshments. This event is open to everyone.

    Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm
    Cairn’s Complex room 207 at Brock University

    Hosted by the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies.

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  • December 5, 2025 – Whose Safety Matters? Anti-racist Feminist and Queer/Trans Perspectives on Gendered Violence

    Welcome to Social Sciences Day 2025! In this presentation on Whose Safety Matters? Anti-racist Feminist and Queer/Trans Perspectives on Gendered Violence, students will learn from Dr. Hijin Park and Dr. Margot Francis about gendered violence from perspectives studied in our program.

    Dr. Hijin Park‘s lecture will examine how a decolonial and intersectional analysis of violence assist us to better understand violence, and address questions such as: how is violence systemic rather than individual and random, and are there alternatives to locking-up perpetrators?

    With Dr. Margot Francis, explore why trans and queer lives are now up for debate everywhere from the US presidential election, to provincial politics in Canada. How does this media, and political and legislative violence impact the everyday realities of queer and trans people, and how are we fighting back?

    Caitlin Szczepanowski will provide a welcome and give an introduction to the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies.

    Friday, December 5, 2025, from 10:35am to 1:00pm
    Goodman School of Business Room 406 at Brock University

    This presentation is part of a larger event and is designed to give high school students the chance to experience a typical university lecture/class for programs in the Faculty of Social Sciences. Sessions are assigned and only available to classes and schools registered for the event. For more information on Social Sciences Day, contact the Faculty of Social Sciences.

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  • December 3, 2025 – Women’s and Gender Studies Student Art Social

    Join students from the Centre for Women’s and Gender studies for a session of art, good discussion, and delicious treats! Use our art supplies or bring your own to create meaningful and creative art pieces with others. In this space, students will be encouraged to reflect on current issues in WGST, and will have the opportunity to hear from Taylor Court, Brock’s Gender and Sexual Violence Support and Education Coordinator, who will speak on gender-based violence support and education.

    If you plan to attend, please RSVP to ensure the Centre is able to provide enough free food and refreshments. This event is open to everyone!

    Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
    Thistle Complex Room 254 at Brock University

    Hosted by the Centre for Women’s and Gender Studies.

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