Humanities Seminar: Women and the Work of Democracy
Politics, power, and public life for women across history
Presented on: Tuesday, March 3rd 2026 at 7:00 PM EST
View Upcoming Events View Past Event Recordings
Join Dr. Lara Campbell, Professor of History and L.R. Wilson Research Chair in Leadership and Civic Engagement, and Dr. Allauren Samantha Forbes, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Faculty in Gender and Social Justice, for a conversation about women’s political lives across history and into the present.
Bringing together perspectives from women’s and gender history, social movement history, and feminist philosophy, this panel explores how women have shaped political life in ways that extend far beyond formal rights or institutions. From suffrage campaigns and collective organizing to everyday relationships, ideas, and forms of resistance, the discussion highlights the many sites where political power has been claimed, contested, and reimagined.
By placing historical struggles alongside broader questions about power, agency, and participation, the panel offers a richer view of women’s political engagement and its ongoing relevance. The conversation will also look ahead, reflecting on how women’s activism today may be understood and remembered by future generations.
Humanities Seminars are a series of talks hosted by Dean Pamela Swett. The series aims to share the Faculty's exciting and groundbreaking research with our alumni, students and community members.
The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by McMaster University.