It is not only a matter of equity — it is essential to advancing knowledge, enriching perspectives, and shaping a future built on inclusive innovation.
International Women’s Day 2026
The International Women’s Day 2026 Panel Discussion, titled “Voices of Women in Research: A Multidisciplinary Panel,” was successfully held, bringing together distinguished women researchers and academic leaders from diverse disciplines. The discussion provided an inspiring platform to reflect on the theme “Give to Gain: Empowering Women in Research,” highlighting the experiences, challenges, and achievements of women in academia and research.
Through engaging conversations and insightful perspectives shared by the panelists, the session encouraged meaningful dialogue on fostering inclusive research environments and supporting the next generation of women scholars. We sincerely thank all panelists, participants, and viewers who joined us via Zoom and Facebook Live and contributed to making this event a memorable and impactful International Women’s Day celebration.
Objective of the Program
To celebrate, recognise, and inspire women in research globally by amplifying their voices, journeys, and contributions in honour of International Women’s Day 2026.
This program is an open and inclusive platform designed to recognise, honour, and inspire women researchers globally, reaffirming iConferences’ commitment to equity, excellence, and inclusive innovation in research.
Panel Speakers
Women Leading Research, Innovation, and Change
Our panel brings together accomplished women researchers from diverse disciplines and regions, united by a commitment to advancing knowledge and empowering future generations.
Dr. Lynde Tan
Associate Professor (Digital Literacies & Language Education)
Head, Pedagogies & Technologies – School of Education, Associate Editor, Pedagogies: An International Journal, Ewha Global Fellow (2024–2026), Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
Western Sydney University, Australia
Dr. Jeniffer
Director
Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR) Universiti Malaya, Malaysia
Dr. Soma Dey
Associate Professor
Department of Women and Gender Studies, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dr. Suzanne Kiwanuka
Associate Professor & Head
Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Uganda
Dr. Zuhrah Taufiqa
Lecturer
Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia
Dr. Karen Man Wa KWAN
Research Assistant Professor
Hong Kong Polytechnic University,
Hong Kong
Submit Your Story
Share your research journey and join a global celebration of women in research, inclusive innovation, and academic leadership this International Women’s Day 2026.
For further information or enquiries, feel free to reach out to us at
info@i-conferences.com
Story Submission Invitation
Share Your Research Journey
Every woman in research carries a story shaped by curiosity, challenges, and perseverance. As part of International Women’s Day 2026, iConferences invites women researchers worldwide to share their research journeys — including the challenges they have faced and the contributions they continue to make.
By sharing your story, you become part of a global celebration that honours women in research and inspires future generations of women scholars and innovators
Who Can Submit?
Women researchers from all fields, disciplines, and career stages are welcome to participate.
Why should you submit your story?
Your experience as a woman in research carries insight, resilience, and inspiration.
By submitting your story, you contribute to global conversations on women in research, support gender equity in academia, and inspire emerging scholars.
What can selected participants receive?
Two outstanding story submissions will be selected by the panel and will receive:
- Complimentary registration to attend the Women & Gender Studies Conference 2026
- Opportunity to attend virtually or in person
- Recognition through iConferences’ global platforms
📅 06–07 August 2026 | 📍 Malaysia
Story submission guidelines
Please share your research journey by reflecting on the areas below.
You may write freely — there is no strict word limit.
You may cover:
- Your beginning: How and why your research journey started
- Challenges faced: Academic, institutional, or personal challenges encountered
- Challenges as a woman: Gender-specific barriers, expectations, or experiences
- Overcoming challenges: How you navigated obstacles and built resilience
- Support systems: Support received from family, mentors, colleagues, or institutions
- Gratitude: Individuals or communities you wish to acknowledge
- Give to Gain reflection: What you gave to your research — and what you gained in return
- Advice to future women researchers: Guidance or encouragement you would offer
- Message to the world: What society and the research community should understand about women in research
Conditions
- Open to women researchers worldwide
- All academic and research fields are welcome
- Submissions must be original and personally written
- Selected stories may be shared on iConferences’ platforms with attribution
- Final selections will be made by the panel speakers
Meet Moderator
Zainab Rafeek
Founder of Capsaicinaz LM Foundation
Medico Legal Advocate / International Affairs / European Union to Sri Lanka and Maldives
Empowering women in research is essential to advancing knowledge, enriching perspectives, and shaping an inclusive future.
#IWD2026 #GiveToGain #WomenInResearch #WomenInAcademia #InclusiveInnovation #GenderEquity #ResearchLeadership #iConferences
