The Ontario Women’s History Network (OWHN) invites educators, researchers, students, and community members to its 2025 Annual Conference, Women Navigating Civic Engagement in Canada, taking place October 24–25, 2025, at Fanshawe Pioneer Village in London, Ontario. The two-day event will explore how women have shaped civic life in Canada through activism, leadership, and community engagement. With a full schedule of presentations, workshops, and discussions, the conference provides an inspiring platform to connect past and present movements for gender equity.
The conference begins Friday evening with Bonnie Sitter’s talk, “Finding the Farmerettes: Recovering the Story of Teenage Girls Who Worked the Farms.” Sitter’s award-winning research uncovers the experiences of thousands of young Ontario women who supported the province’s agricultural sector during and after World War II. Saturday’s program includes themed paper sessions, a Teachers’ Panel on integrating women’s history and critical thinking in classrooms, and a keynote address by Professor Constance Backhouse titled “Reflections on Chilly Climate Activism.” Breakfast and lunch are included with Saturday registration.
To learn more, visit the official OWHN 2025 Conference Program for full session details, travel information, and to register online. This year’s gathering promises to celebrate the contributions of women across generations while inspiring new conversations about civic engagement, education, and social change in Canada.