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Gender, sexuality, and women's studies
Curious how ideas about gender and sexuality impact society? Learn about how social movements and political activism can change the world in this interdisciplinary field of study. The Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies (GSWS) at Simon Fraser University grew from the first women’s studies program in Canada. The department aims to bring feminist, queer, and intersectional understandings to the analysis of power and how it operates locally and transnationally. Promote critical research and scholarship, engaged teaching, and meaningful community service in a nurturing environment.
About GSWS
The Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSWS) offers major, joint major, minor, and extended minor programs.
We also have an active student union which has organized many fun on-campus events such as movie screenings, seminars and panels, and barbeques. The GSWS Student Union actively participates in a variety of on and off campus events and initiatives that advance gender inclusivity and sexual diversity including faculty conversations, peaceful protests, and community organizing.
Career pathways
Graduate with a wealth of knowledge about human rights, social justice, political activism, and the intersection of gender and other structures of power such as race, class, ethnicity, and ability. Learn to view these issues through the perspectives and methodologies of cultural and media studies, history, social science, science studies and more. Develop transferable skills that are highly valuable in many professions.
Our students have succeeded in many different careers including:
- Communications strategist
- Coordinator of NGOs and non-profit organizations
- Journalist
- Equity officer
- Lawyer
- Police officer
- Mental health counselor
- Drug and alcohol rehabilitation worker
- Family therapist
- Social worker
- Small business owner
- Career counselor
GSWS News
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Introducing Dr. Nadine Attewell, the new Director of SFU’s Global Asia Program
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Convocation Spotlight: Ghezal Durani (scholar, survivor and community activist)
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Convocation Spotlight: Shilpa Narayan (award-winning social justice and mental health advocate)
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Dynamic changemakers convene at this year’s Rosemary Brown Memorial Symposium
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SFU undergrad Anya Sass recognized for tireless contributions in social justice and advocacy
Learn more
Dr. Helen Leung describes GSWS 100: Introduction to Contemporary Issues in Sexuality Studies.
Dr. Jen Marchbank describes GSWS 102: Feminist Action.