Skip to main content

Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies

Photo of Jess
Blog
Fostering Inclusion and Equity in the Community

Jess Dela Cruz graduates with a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies (GSWS), passionate about furthering social justice, inclusion, and equity on and beyond campus.

Photo of Novia Chen
Blog
Developing Feminist Narratives in Filmmaking

Dr. Novia Chen receives a doctoral degree in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies! Before joining GSWS, Novia worked as a film/video production instructor, filmmaker, and festival coordinator. She decided to pursue a doctoral degree to further inform the ways in which her position negotiates gender politics, representation, and feminist film criticism and theory. 

Photo of Ghezal
Blog
Determination, Perseverance, and Community

Fourth-year Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies student Ghezal Durrani’s story is that of determination, perseverance, and resilience despite the odds typically stacked against those who immigrate to Canada in similar circumstances. Reflecting upon her past as a teenage bride, her experience with education, and her life’s journey (so far), Ghezal’s story is nothing short of inspiring.

Photo of Shilpa Narayan
Blog
Giving Back Through Activism and Youth Empowerment

Narayan’s work “focuses on the intersections between the LGBTQ+ community, mental health awareness and intergenerational arts activism using theatre and drama”. She is a research coordinator for a year long study on youth ages 16-24 and their mental health experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo of Anya Sass
Blog
Advocating for Refugee and Migrant Rights

Witnessing friends and family flee Syria during the ongoing civil war left an indelible impression on Simon Fraser University undergraduate Anya Sass. Originally from Calgary, AB, Sass traveled abroad for several years and was living in Syria with her partner as the civil war broke out. She says her commitment to advocating for refugee and migrant rights was spurred by the emotional experience of “watching friends and family leave the country as refugees.”*

Photo of Reema Faris
Blog
On the Continuous Pursuit of Learning

"Reema Faris has a deep passion for learning. As a naturally curious and inquisitive person, she says returning to post secondary studies in recent years has been a joy. Faris spent many years of her early career as a communications and marketing professional within a range of public and private sector organizations. Faris brings new perspectives, kindness, and enthusiasm for teaching and learning to the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, where she is pursuing doctoral studies."

Photo of Maki Cairns
Blog
Finding Inspiration to Pursue an Embodied Feminist Practice From Comics

Undergraduate student Maki Cairns credits the Wonder Woman comic book series as part of her drive to study at the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSWS). An avid comic book and graphic novel reader, Cairn’s interest in feminism was sparked from her hobby and has turned into a full course of study.

Photo of Kelsey Strom
Blog
No Such Thing as Wasted Time

Kelsey Strom, having found her place in Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies (GSWS) learnt an important lesson: There is no such thing as wasted time 

Photo of Brianna Mau
Blog
Gaining a Change in Perspective

GSWS Alumnus, Brianna Mau, talks about the most impactful classes she took during her undergrad and her involvement in leadership and mentorship programs at SFU. She advises students to transform their academic background to impactful actions that create lasting change.

Photo of Alicia Fahrner
Blog
Finding Academic and Personal Clarity

FASS graduand, Alicia Fahrner, reflects on how her experiences at GSWS inspired clarity in both her academic and personal life as a woman of colour. She encourages students to take some time during their studies to learn more about themselves and their interests, communicating the importance of gratitude and knowing yourself in order to persevere during tough times.

Photo of Naiya Tsang
Blog
Adopting a Compassionate and Analytical Lens for Equitable Change

Naiya Tsang came to SFU to pursue a BA in Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies (GSWS) with a minor in Biological Sciences to hone a more balanced understanding of our social and natural worlds.

“I believe studying both science and the marginalities within society allows us to use a lens of compassion while also critically evaluating both quantitative and qualitative information, and can allow us to make strong, informed choices."

Picture of four girls
Blog
On the Ground: Department Student Unions

Wondering what a DSU is and what they do? Erika shares her story about her involvement in a DSU and how it has enriched her time at SFU.

Subscribe to Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Subscribe to Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies