The Chicago Women’s History Center proudly announces its 2025 Conference, “Past & Present Strategies to Advance the Rights of Women,” co-sponsored by WILPF US in celebration of WILPF’s 110th anniversary.

This conference was created in partnership with the Black Metropolis Research Consortium (BMRC), Evanston History Center, and Women & Leadership Archives at Loyola University Chicago.

This one-day hybrid conference will occur on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Roosevelt University in Downtown Chicago, IL. The event will bring together national scholars, community leaders, activists, and students to explore historical and contemporary approaches to inclusive gender equality. During the conference, we will explore our theme, “Past & Present Strategies to Advance the Rights of Women,” through our conference pillars–”Dispatches from the Field,” “Proclaiming Equality,” and “New Voices from Chicago’s Past”–and experiential workshops.

Additionally, the hybrid conference will showcase 15 juried research presentations, interactive workshops, panel discussions, and an acclaimed keynote speaker, TBA, covering diverse topics such as:

• “Creating a Roadmap to Meet the Moment” by incoming WILPF US President Linda Low
• “Lest We Forget: Strategies of Chicago’s Women’s Battered Movement” by Leslie Landis and Radhika Sharma Gordan
• “She The People: ERA Illinois” by Michelle Thorne
• “New Voices from Chicago Women’s History” by Julia Bachrach, Sherryl Engstrom, Fiona Maxwell, and Gloria McMillan
• “Jane Addams and the Women of Hull-House” by Cathy Hajo and colleagues
• “Art & Activism” by Ana Shin-Olp, Ella Grace and Marin Burke
• And many more…

The conference also includes an exhibition of WILPF US’ history over 110 years and an exhibition by Chicago youth called “Right & Responsibilities,” curated by the Chicago History Museum.

“This is more than just a conference—it’s a collaborative space where new ideas will take root and new pathways are forged to address our current political moment,” said Carron Little, Executive Director of Chicago Women’s History Center. “By bringing together academic and community leaders with historical and contemporary expertise we create opportunities for dialogue that will have a lasting impact on women’s lives and how we envision a future to empower the next generation.”

Attendees will also have access to networking sessions. A continental breakfast and a generously catered lunch will be provided. Learn more and register for the conference. If you have any questions, contact chicagowomenshistory@gmail.com

About Chicago Women’s History Center

Founded in 1971, the Chicago Women’s History Center (CWHC) is a non-profit dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing the history of Chicago women. The center’s mission includes supporting academic research, protecting archival materials, developing educational resources, and presenting public programs that highlight the intersection of women’s past, present, and future. By ensuring diverse voices are heard, CWHC fosters a space for exploring how these stories shape historical narratives for generations to come.