The U of M Women’s Centre hosted a free Women in Leadership conference in collaboration with the Racial Equity and Inclusion Alliance and UMSU in the John A. Russel Atrium on Nov. 15 and 16.

The goal of this event was to provide a low-cost opportunity for women to build meaningful connections with fellow student leaders and community members. The two-day event featured panel discussions, group activities and networking sessions.

The conference was also an avenue for attendees to learn about barriers faced by women in leadership — especially those with intersectional identities — as well as the importance of advocacy.

Janna Samson, Women’s Centre vice president of finance and operations, said, “We are just glad that a lot of people found interest and support in this event.” She mentioned her teammates wanted to go to a women’s conference in Toronto, but the high cost made it inaccessible to them, and so they wanted to ensure cost would not be a barrier for their own conference.

She added, “My favourite part, 100 per cent, is the chances we get to have discussions on different topics.” Samson explained how discussions about allyship were insightful and the conference provided a space for attendees to challenge their preexisting ideas and beliefs.

Leata Goulet, the UMSU women’s representative, spoke on the aim of the event. “We wanted to be able to bring our community together to focus on women in leadership,” she said. Goulet emphasized the importance of “building community and connecting with people [you] do not normally get the chance to connect with.”

The conference included sessions focused on topics such as communication, mental health, allyship and the history of women’s oppression. These sessions were led by collaborating clubs and organizations, including Manitoba Laadliyan, the Indigenous Student Centre, the Council of Women Winnipeg, the Provincial Council of Women Manitoba and the National Council of Women of Canada.

A panel discussion was held where speakers shared their experiences as women leaders, the challenges they have faced, issues related to intersectionality and their advice on how to overcome these struggles. The panel featured Carolyn Wang, Ute Kothe and Johise Namwira.

The event closed with a craft-making session where attendees were able to network. The organizers expressed they look forward to hosting more events like this where women can come together and connect, while also continuing to expand the services they offer to students.