At the Telfer School of Management and across the University of Ottawa, students are taking meaningful action to promote gender equality and empower women communities. As part of our community engagement initiatives, the Telfer Competitions Committee is excited to showcase some student organizations that are sparking meaningful conversation and driving change. Whether it’s through mentorship programs, awareness campaigns, or spotlight events, students are finding creative ways to uplift women and address barriers that persist in our communities.
Women’s rights are not just a broader global issue, they exist in our day-to-day lives and within our campus environment. From classrooms to clubs, students are pushing for equal access and representation across every discipline. Through collaboration, education and engagement, the uOttawa community is showing what change can look like when driven by the future generation of leaders.
Many local student organizations are dedicating their platforms to advancing women's empowerment and inclusion. Their work reflects a shared commitment to education, allyship and community support. These spotlights remind us that many student-driven initiatives are creating real impact. While this list is just a snapshot of some of the amazing work being done, a complete list of clubs is available on the uOttawa Students' Union Website.
AETSA represents Telfer’s undergraduate community and empowers students through strong advocacy, meaningful events, and inclusive opportunities. Driven by passionate volunteers, they host 50+ events yearly with 15+ active clubs and committees.
This year, AETSA will be hosting a Women's Self Defence Workshop in collaboration with the Women in Management Network. This will be the workshop's third annual session taking place in Winter 2025. In addition, they will be hosting a Women in Business Focus Group which will provide an opportunity for Telfer Students to meet new women in business and make friends. The Focus Group is a new addition to AETSA's portfolio and will take place at the end of November.
Learn more about AETSA through their Instagram Page!
Amnesty uOttawa is an accredited student-led chapter of Amnesty International Canada. They work to raise awareness, mobilize students and take action on pressing human rights issues. Their biggest event of the year is participating in Write for Rights, the world's largest human rights campaign in which participants write letters and sign petitions to fight human rights abuses.
In November 2024, their Write for Rights Campaign highlighted a few key women whose courage and resilience have inspired international advocacy. One example is Manahel Al-Otaibi who was wrongfully imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for defending women's rights. She was given an 11-year prison sentence for merely promoting women's rights and expressing herself on social media. You can read more about her story here. During the campaign, Amnesty uOttawa gathered students to stand in solidarity of women around the world who continue to face persecution for defending their rights and speaking out against injustice.
We encourage you to view their Instagram Page for more information on their Write for Rights Campaign 2025 and other initiatives.
Girl Up is a by girls, for girls movement that aims to achieve gender equality by educating communities and empowering others to take action so that every girl can reach her full potential. Girl Up uOttawa strives to empower women and girls through the medium of education, health, and safety by raising awareness of the challenges girls face in developing countries worldwide. They aspire to create the next generation of women leaders and advocates of equality.
Membership is open to all uOttawa students. For more information, check out their website here!
We Sport uOttawa is a women-only club that promotes sports, well-being and empowerment in an inclusive and motivating space. They provide a comfortable and fully bilingual environment where women can participate freely, build confidence, and connect through shared passion for sport.
The club offers a wide range of activities for all skill levels, supported by coaching and a strong sense of community. We Sport also actively collaborates with other campus clubs, helping expand opportunities for women-focused events and activities across the university. For students who may not feel comfortable in mixed-gender settings or who simply want to explore new sports, the We Sport Instagram Page make it easy to discover activities and join events.
The Women in Management Network (WMN) will be partnering with the Telfer Accounting Club (TAC) to host the BIPOC Women in Accounting Panel & Networking on November 3rd. This event will spotlight representation, mentorship, and equity within the accounting field. Panelists from leading firms will share personal stories about navigating barriers, fostering belonging, and driving change within their industries. By emphasizing both representation and allyship, this collaboration will showcase how WMN and Telfer students are actively promoting gender equity, diversity, and inclusion across all sectors, reinforcing the importance of empowering women of all backgrounds to lead and thrive in business.
Learn more about WMN through their Instagram Page!
In addition to our peers, our committee is actively turning awareness into action through our women's rights media campaign and on-campus awareness event.
On October 24, 2025, we gathered at University Square to unite students, faculty and community members under a shared message of gender equality. Our event featured food vendors which donated a portion of proceeds to Amnistie internationale Canada francophone, in support of their mission to defend human rights. In addition, our participants took part in poster-making, resource sharing, interactive activities, and an awareness walk.
Our committee is also currently engaging in a social media campaign to uplift voices, foster allyship and share resources.
Our Central Message: "Sparking Conversation, Igniting Change" #TelferForWomen
We have also compiled a comprehensive list of resources for female-identifying individuals. These resources provide support in areas such as mental health, LGBTQ2S+, medical care, community agencies and more. Access the resource list here!