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RGS-IBG Annual Conference Manchester, 26-28 August 2009 Call for Papers A long road? The past, present and future of the WGSG 2010 will see the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Women and Geography Study Group (WGSG), established to ‘encourage the study of the geographical implications of gender differentiation within society’ and ‘to facilitate and support the exchange of information and ideas, regarding the research and teaching of feminist perspectives and gender issues’ (WGSG website 2008). This session explores the development of feminist geography in the UK in celebration of 30 years of the Women and Geography Study Group – it will address the histories of WGSG and look forward to the future of WGSG and feminist geographies. Firstly, the session will provide an opportunity for reflection and comment on the theoretical and empirical changes in the study of gender in geography. It seeks to highlight the key questions and debates explored through the work of the WGSG in both specific areas of research and the broader discipline of geography. Drawing on the extensive and varied experience of members, the session will consider the ways in which the WGSG has sought to make a difference over its 30 years of existence not only to what is studied in Geography but also how it is studied. Secondly, the session will address the current and future issues facing feminist geographers. What has become of the original inspiration to form the WGSG? Have its goals been met? If so, what, if any, are the new goals women in geography are aspiring to? Indeed should the name be changed? How do geographers ensure that gender issues are addressed? Are such matters now better considered within the discipline as a whole rather than as a separate sub-discipline? How do geographers approach the threats/opportunities from interdisciplinary ways of working? Is geographical knowledge being diluted? How can the WGSG help to ensure that geography and geographical knowledge continue to matter? The organisers of the session welcome papers from a variety of perspectives to stimulate discussion. Papers using and questioning feminist and post feminist theories; papers addressing methods and practices used within geographical gender research; and papers which challenge current understandings of gender issues within society through empirical research are all welcome. Possible contributions include: • Reflections on the setting up and early beginnings of the WGSG • The development of theoretical approaches in the study of feminist geography • Key debates/moments in the development of UK feminist geography • International connections and the UK WGSG in context • Debates around future directions and challenges to feminist research in Geography While billed as a conventional conference session, in addition to the usual academic papers we welcome other forms of contribution to the celebration of the WGSG. If you are interested in submitting a paper, please contact: Jo Little - [log in to unmask], Linda McDowell - [log in to unmask] Lucy Crane - [log in to unmask], Helen Holmes - [log in to unmask] The deadline for submission of abstracts is February 3rd 2009. Please include the following information when you submit an abstract: Name, Affiliation, Contact email, Title of proposed paper, Abstract (no more than 250 words), Any technical requirements (video, data projector, sound, etc.)