Advancing women, gender, and social justice
The Mount Saint Vincent University Institute for the Study of Women (ISW) was revitalized in 2011 and renamed the Institute for Women, Gender, and Social Justice (IWGSJ) to reflect contemporary realities of the University’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and Women’s Studies. In February 2013, the Institute was renamed to honour Alexa McDonough and became the Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender, and Social Justice (AMI).
Our Mission:
The AMI aims to achieve equity and improve lives through feminist initiatives that extend knowledge and understanding of issues related to women, girls, gender, and social justice for the Mount community and beyond.
Contact Us
Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender and Social Justice
Mount Saint Vincent University | 166 Bedford Highway | Halifax, NS | B3M 2J6
Email: ami@msvu.ca
Sponsor Us!
Sponsor the AMI’s Girl’s Conference today!
Make sure to select the Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender & Social Justice option under “Designations”.
Or send a cheque to:
Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender & Social Justice
Mount Saint Vincent University
McCain Centre, Mailbox M21
166 Bedford Highway, Halifax, NS
Canada, B3M2J6
Join our Network
Signing up is easy and free! Joining the AMI’s network will connect you to an array of activities, events and education/research opportunities!
Fulfilling Canadas Healthcare Promise: A Call to Action
We are excited to have former BC NDP Cabinet Minister, Union Leader, and Author Judy Darcy join us this year as our Keynote speaker at our annual lecture in collaboration with The Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation titled “Fulfilling Canadas Healthcare Promise: A Call to Action”. The lecture serves as a tribute to Alexa McDonough’s legacy of leadership, compassion, and progressive change while bringing together a community gathering of engaged citizens, activists, students, and supporters from across Nova Scotia and beyond.
Location: Multipurpose Room, 3rd Floor Rosaria Centre, Mount Saint Vincent University
Time: September 15th, 6:00pm
Doors open at 5:30pm.
The main lecture will be followed by an inspired Panel Discussion featuring other leading experts in their given fields. The purpose of this Lecture is not just to pay tribute to wins passed, but to raise awareness, invoke discussion, and propose actionable ways to continue advancing progressive ideals and outcomes. We look forward to hosting you, your friends, and your family for a night of education and inspiration.
RSVP Now to ensure your attendance at this always packed event: Douglas, Coldwell, Layton Foundation and AMI Women in Politics Lecture 2026 – Fill out form
Past Events
Girls Conference
Lead to Inspire:
Acts of Kindness, Moments of Courage!
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm ADT
Mount Saint Vincent University, Rosaria Student Centre, 3rd floor Multipurpose Room
This year’s theme is Lead to Inspire: Acts of Kindness, Moments of Courage, and our keynote speaker is Honorable Leah Martin. Ms. Martin is the first Indigenous MLA in Nova Scotia history. Her cabinet responsibilities include, Minister of L’nu Affairs, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women Act, and Minister responsible for Youth. We are also hosting a special trailblazer panel featuring the amazing talents of Nova Scotia women: Hannah Moscovitch, Sloan McKenzie, Jazmyne McLaughlin and Cindy Chang.
Trailblazer Panel Discussion:
Leah Martin Keynote:
Quoia States:
Check 2026 Girls Conference photos:
