GEORGE TOWN, 12 November 2025 — The 6th KANITA International Conference on Gender Studies (KICGS 2025), organised by the Centre for Research on Women and Gender (KANITA), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), concluded today following a full day of discussions centred on gender equality, inequality and discrimination, and intersectionality, and was convened at the University Conference Hall and officiated by Prof. Dr. Azlan Amran, who is exercising the function of the Vice-Chancellor.

First launched in 2012, the conference continues to provide a platform for scholars from diverse disciplines to present research on women and gender relations, with this year’s theme, “Gender and Its Intersections: Contemporary Issues and Discourses,” encouraging participants to examine how gender interacts with factors such as race, class, culture, ability and sexuality in shaping lived experiences.

“This year’s theme is timely as gender cannot be analysed in isolation but must be understood through its intersections with race, class, culture, ability and other dimensions that shape lived experiences,” said Azlan, emphasising the conference’s role in advancing deeper and more rigorous scholarship on intersectionality.

He added that intersectional research is essential for generating meaningful insights that respond to contemporary challenges, thereby strengthening the relevance of gender scholarship within both local and global contexts.

The conference featured a keynote address by Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, who highlighted global and regional perspectives on gender and intersectionality, followed by a plenary panel that offered local insights into inequality and social challenges.

Throughout the day, forty presenters shared research encompassing areas such as sustainable development, health, education, minority groups, policy, media, STEM, family and economic empowerment, thereby illustrating the breadth of contemporary gender scholarship.

The organisers expressed appreciation for the high-quality abstracts and the active participation of attendees, noting that “we hope today’s conversations inspire continued collaboration and meaningful advocacy for gender equality.”

The committee also extended gratitude to Prof. Dr. Intan Hashimah Mohd. Hashim, Director of KANITA, for her support, as well as to USM leadership, partners, staff and students whose contributions ensured the success of the conference.

Text: KANITA/Photos: Shahnizam Ab Rahim/Edited: Shafinaz Md Ismail