Why Iowa?

Investigate how gender and sexuality shape the challenges society faces in the environment, culture, media, education, health, violence, the economy, and so much more.

Develop a deeper understanding

Amplify your graduate studies

Learn from experts across fields

See yourself here

The Women's Studies Program was established at The University of Iowa in 1974 and is one of the first programs in the United States. Be apart of this rich history and legacy.

Write Your Story

Critical thinking, analysis, and development of expertise in writing, research, and presentation will prepare you for a variety of careers and graduate programs. Alumni have gone on to exciting careers in policy, government, non-profits, social services, and so much more.

GWSS professor teaching to class

Est. 1974

One of the first women's studies programs in the U.S.

large classroom filled with students learning about social justice

3 tracks

Students can earn a major, minor, or graduate certificate in Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies

16 faculty

Have joint appointments in GWSS and comes from the humanities and social sciences

students workshopping in class

55 faculty

Affiliated with GWSS and regularly cross-list their courses, supervise graduate students or serve on GWSS committees

student discussing topics in class

News and announcements

Smart Labor and the Fantasy Production of Association for Southeast Asian Nations Smart Cities

Thursday, November 9, 2023
This article is about transforming pilot cities into smart cities

Meenakshi Gigi Durham featured on Talk of Iowa's Womanhood series

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
This article is about Charity Nebbe on the Talk of Iowa

Hyaeweol Choi featured in New York Times Food article

Wednesday, September 20, 2023
This article is about Professor Hyaeweol Choi being featured in New York Times

Events

Book Matters: Brady G’Sell and Meena Khandelwal in conversation with Elana Buch promotional image

Book Matters: Brady G’Sell and Meena Khandelwal in conversation with Elana Buch

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Prairie Lights Books
Join us for a reading and discussion, co-sponsored by Prairie Lights, to celebrate recent works from Brady G’Sell and Meena Khandelwal, faculty in the University of Iowa Department of Anthropology and the Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies Program. After the reading, Elana Buch, associate professor of anthropology, will join G’Sell and Khandelwal for a conversation and Q&A with the audience. Light refreshments will follow.
2025 Celebration of Excellence and Achievement Among Women promotional image

2025 Celebration of Excellence and Achievement Among Women

Wednesday, April 2, 2025 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Medical Education Research Facility
Join us for our awards ceremony and reception, honoring the giants who blazed the trail before us celebrating the incredible accomplishments crafted over the past year! Refreshments and social time will begin at 3:30 p.m., and the award celebration will begin at 4 p.m.  This event is free and open to the public. This event recognizes the recipients for the following awards: May Brodbeck Distinguished Achievement Award for Faculty Susan C. Buckley Distinguished Achievement Award for Staff...
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