International Women's Day 2026

The University of Waterloo joins a global movement to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8. This day is an opportunity to consider the kind of future we are building and the role of women in shaping it.  

Across the University of Waterloo, women are defining that future. Through their leadership, scholarship and partnership, they are advancing solutions to complex global challenges across the Global Futures and strengthening the communities we serve. 

Of note, five of the eight first round Global Futures initiatives are led by women–a reflection of the depth of expertise across our campus. 

One powerful example is the Strategies for Intersectional Gender Justice, Networked Action, and Liberation (SIGNAL) initiative. Led by Dr. Brianna Wiens, SIGNAL is a cross-disciplinary research and action network dedicated to addressing the growing threat of tech-facilitated violence, radicalization and systemic inequity online. By convening scholars, practitioners and community partners, the network advances practical strategies to make online environments safer and more equitable—especially for women who are often targets of hatred and discrimination. At a time when digital spaces shape civic discourse, social connection and democratic participation, this Global Futures Initiative is essential.  

Women at Waterloo are also leading at the forefront of artificial intelligence and its societal implications. In October, we announced that Dr. Edith Law was named the inaugural Google Chair in the Future of Work and Learning. This Global Futures Initiative, and a collaboration between the Waterloo and Google, supports research on how AI is reshaping education and career readiness.  

As a professor of computer science and executive director of the Future of Work Institute, Dr. Law brings internationally recognized expertise in human-AI interaction and the design of technology that advances human values. Through her work, she is helping shape not only the tools of tomorrow, but also the principles that guide their use. 

Through the Global Futures Initiative Build Now Waterloo Region, Dr. Leia Minaker embeds research and learning within North America’s largest affordable home ownership project. The initiative functions as a “living lab,” where researchers, students and community partners work together to develop practical solutions to the region’s housing challenges. 

This model also creates meaningful learning opportunities for students. In the Integrated Capstone course, students work alongside community partners such as Union Co-op, a housing organization founded by a University of Waterloo alum.  

Students like Ashvika Mathivannan are helping analyze potential development sites across Kitchener and develop frameworks to assess their viability for affordable housing. Their work is scalable and transferable across communities, in support of local housing providers while giving students hands-on experience in multidisciplinary collaboration, client communication and community-engaged research. 

Professor Suzanne Kearns, founder of the groundbreaking Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) now also leads The Future in Motion, a Global Futures Initiative driving innovation in sustainable, safe and equitable transportation.Kearns literally wrote the book on teaching aviation to a new generation with her book, Fundamentals of International Aviation. In her unique role she is passing the torch to female aviators like, Allison Lynch. Having just completed her PhD at the University of Waterloo in Vision Science, Lynch’s research examines medical vision standards for pilots and whether existing requirements are supported by evidence or may be unnecessarily restrictive. 

By connecting global research expertise teaching and industry collaboration her work supports sector-wide transformation at a time when transportation systems must evolve rapidly to meet environmental imperatives and societal needs. 

At the national level, Professor Sarah Burch is establishing the University of Waterloo’s National Climate Leadership Centre, which is part of the university’s Waterloo Climate Institute. This bold Global Futures Initiative positions Waterloo as a hub for lifelong learning in climate change and sustainability. It recognizes that responding to climate change requires not only technological advancement, but leadership development, governance innovation and sustained public engagement. 

These initiatives, while varied in focus, share a common purpose: turning research excellence into real societal impact. 

International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate these contributions and to recognize that progress requires sustained effort. We must continue expanding pathways to leadership, fostering inclusive research environments, and ensuring talent can thrive at every stage. 

At Waterloo, women are driving research and innovation that shape policy, industry and community impact. Their leadership strengthens our campus and our future. As we mark this day, we honour their excellence and reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive, sustainable future.  

Today, we celebrate their leadership. Tomorrow, and every day, we continue the work together.