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!
Girls Conference
On May 22, 2025, we gathered together at Mount Saint Vincent University for an unforgettable day of empowerment, learning, and inspiration. This signature event has empowered and inspired thousands of Nova Scotian girls aged 13-18 for more than a decade.
This year’s theme, Better Together, focused on empowering girls through fostering collaboration, community, and cooperation. We believe that through community engagement, we can create lasting change and inspire a new generation of leaders. We excitedly welcomed Larissa Crawford, a published Indigenous, anti-racism, and climate justice researcher, policy advisor, and founder of Future Ancestors Services as our keynote speaker. Alongside the keynote, students participated in more than 15 workshops and interactive sessions led by accomplished facilitators and professionals from diverse fields.
Thank you to all who participated in and contributed to Girls Conference 2025: Better Together!
Stay tuned for details about Girls Conference 2026.
Check out this year’s Girls Conference video:
Checkout 2025’s program below:
2024 – 2025 Calendar of Events
