TORONTO, March 8, 2026 – This International Women’s Day on March 8, universities across Ontario are going beyond acknowledgment – they’re taking action. From keynote panels and leadership luncheons to entrepreneurship forums and community workshops, campuses throughout the province are creating space to honour women’s achievements and advance the conversations that matter.
Below is a snapshot of what’s happening:
Carleton University invited students to hear directly from campus leaders about their personal and professional journeys, offering candid advice for the next generation of women entering the workforce. Learn more.
University of Guelph is running a full week of programming from March 6–13, spanning panel discussions, conferences, and documentary premieres – reflecting the breadth and depth of women’s contributions across fields. Learn more.
Lakehead University kicked things off on March 5, bringing students, staff, and faculty together to celebrate influential Canadian women through crafts, conversation, and community – all dressed in purple. Learn more.
McMaster University had a packed lineup: former cabinet minister Catherine McKenna signed copies of her new book and joined a panel discussion, while a separate keynote spotlighted women in leadership and a virtual symposium examined women’s health and disease prevention. Learn more.
Nipissing University hosted a keynote and workshop rooted in restorative justice – creating space to explore healing, empowerment and breaking cycles of harm. Learn more.
Ontario Tech University is leaning into this year’s theme, Give to Gain, by distributing wildflower seed packages to students as a prompt to reflect on the gifts women bring — and the work still needed to achieve greater equality. Learn more.
University of Ottawa’s Telfer Executive Programs is hosting ASCEND, a workshop for women in complex operational environments. The program brings together senior leaders from national security, intelligence, law enforcement and public safety for interactive discussions and expert guidance. Learn more.
Queen’s University brought together the Queen’s Women’s Network and Women in Engineering for a celebration featuring remarks from women leaders, networking and opportunities to support women-serving organizations. Learn more.
University of Toronto (Scarborough) hosted Breaking Barriers: Solutions for Women in Entrepreneurship, a panel and Q&A featuring women who are driving innovation and reshaping what leadership looks like. Learn more.
Toronto Metropolitan University is celebrating all week, having opened with Women’s Soccer & the Road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 on March 4 and following up with Women Inspire 2026, a forum highlighting women driving change across Canada’s trade and economic sectors. Learn more.
Trent University held its annual leadership luncheon through Lady Eaton College, where women leaders shared candid stories about navigating their professional lives – and the lessons they’d carry forward. Learn more.
University of Waterloo marked its 6th International Women’s Day High Tea Social, where alumni spoke about their experiences and the ongoing importance of gender equality. The Faculty of Health is also hosting an online panel on women in community relations, healthcare and athletics. Learn more.
University of Windsor hosted an International Women’s Day event featuring a keynote by Senator Sandra Pupatello, former Ontario cabinet minister and long-time advocate for economic development and gender equity. The event also marked the launch of the Lenore Simpson Women in Business Award to support emerging women leaders and brought together attendees to discuss leadership and innovation under the theme “Women Leading with Intelligence.” Learn more.
Western University took an analytical lens to the day, hosting a presentation by the Research Chair in Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies that examined the social, economic, and political paradoxes women face – and how organized mobilization can drive change. Learn more.
Wilfrid Laurier University celebrated its 9th annual IWD luncheon, gathering alumni, faculty, and education-sector leaders to discuss how they’re meeting the evolving needs of their communities. Learn more.
York University’s Women’s Day Founder Lab brought together founders, leaders, and ecosystem partners for conversations, expert guidance, and meaningful connections among women shaping the future. Learn more.
Ontario’s universities are proud to recognize International Women’s Day as an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to equity, inclusion, and the success of all students. By creating spaces for dialogue, mentorship, and celebration, universities across the province are helping to build the communities and leaders that Ontario needs – today and in the future.