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

Kanchan Chandler - Visiting Artist in Printmaking - School of Art, Art History, and Design promotional image

Kanchan Chandler - Visiting Artist in Printmaking - School of Art, Art History, and Design

Monday, September 16, 2024 4:30pm
Visual Arts Building
Kanchan Chander is a visionary artist from New Delhi, India. With a diverse artistic education spanning institutions such as the Weisensee Kunst Hochschule in Berlin and the College of Art in Delhi, Kanchan's creative work reflects a fusion of global influences. Her art speaks volumes about the domestic centricity of feminine experience, exploring themes of the mythic divine feminine and the iconic imagery of the Devi and the torso. Through brightly painted canvases adorned with sequins, silver...

Pallav Chander - Visiting Artist in Printmaking - School of Art, Art History, and Design

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 6:00pm
Visual Arts Building
Pallav Chander is a multifaceted artist whose art practice spans printmaking, painting, acting, and directing, With a bold and distinctive style characterized by thick contrasting layers, Pallav's artworks challenge conventional narratives and invite viewers to explore the depths of their own interpretations. Drawing inspiration from his personal experiences with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD, Pallav's art serves as a visual representation of his life, incorporating chaotic arrangements and...
South Asian Studies Program Lecture: Unraveling Manipur Conflict in Northeast India promotional image

South Asian Studies Program Lecture: Unraveling Manipur Conflict in Northeast India

Thursday, September 26, 2024 4:00pm to 5:30pm
University Capitol Centre
Join the South Asian Studies Program (SASP), an International Programs affinity group, as they host a lecture by Professor Ajailiu Niumai on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, 4–5:30 p.m. (CDT) in the International Commons, room 1117 of the University Capitol Centre at the University of Iowa (UI). Through her talk, Unraveling Manipur conflict in Northeast India, Niumai will provide an overview of how peace eludes Manipur (Northeast India) in the aftermath of brutal violence that erupted in May 2023...
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