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Contact:
Marjorie Griffin Cohen, 604.291.5526; 604.294.2134; mcohen@sfu.ca
Stuart Colcleugh, Media/PR, 604.291.3035; stuart_colcleugh@sfu.ca

Simon Fraser University's women's studies program is celebrating its 30th anniversary on Feb. 10 with a one-day conference, Transformations: The Politics of Women's Studies, which will examine how women's studies constantly change in response to women's needs and perceptions.

Since it began in 1976 with 40 students and one course the women's studies program, now a department, has grown to include about 800 students enrolled in some 25 different programs. The department offers a minor in gender studies, a minor and a major in women's studies, and several joint majors as well as a master of arts and a PhD.

The department is nationally renowned for its unique interdisciplinary and comprehensive nature. It covers not only the social sciences and humanities, but also the contemporary arts and sciences.

SFU women's studies has had a significant impact on women in BC says department chair Marjorie Griffin Cohen, a professor who splits her time between women's studies and political science.

“We've trained a large number of women who have gone into community work, government work, industry and services, and they do take a women's studies' perspective with them. Over the years, we have had a significant impact on public policy programs and community activities.”

The conference at SFU Vancouver at Harbour Centre is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m and attendance is free but registration is required. For more information call 604.291.4023 or e-mail rwwchair@sfu.ca

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Website:
SFU Womens studies: www.sfu.ca/womens-studies/events.htm