Society & Culture

Women and Girls in Georgia Conference to open Oct. 24

UGA Institute for Women's Studies to host second annual conference on Women and Girls in Georgia, Oct. 24-25

The University of Georgia Institute for Women’s Studies is hosting the second annual conference on Women and Girls in Georgia on Oct. 24-25, at the Paul D. Coverdell Building on the UGA campus. The theme of the 2008 Women and Girls in Georgia Conference is “Health & Well-Being.” Presentation topics include environmental health, depression, body image, aging, teen pregnancy prevention, addiction, disability, midwifery and maternal health and many more.

The Women and Girls in Georgia Conference was established in 2007 to highlight and encourage cutting-edge research by, for and about women and girls in Georgia, in all their diversity. The conference brings together leading researchers, teachers, activists and community members to share expertise, strengthen networks and strategize for positive social change in Georgia and beyond.

This year’s conference will include a keynote lecture by Susan Wood, a research professor in the department of environmental and occupational health at George Washington University. A long-time champion of women’s health, Wood previously served as director for Policy and Program Development at the U.S Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. She was assistant commissioner for women’s health and director of the Office of Women’s Health at the FDA until 2005, when she made headlines by resigning on principle over the continued delay in approving emergency over-the-counter contraception.

Prior to joining HHS, Wood was science adviser and then deputy director of the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues. In that capacity, she was directly involved with policy initiatives and legislative proposals designed to advance biomedical research, women’s health, family planning and health care reform.

Academics, students, advocates, activists and community members are welcome to register for the conference. The full conference program and registration information are available at www.uga.edu/iws/WAGG.