In celebration of International Women’s Day, 8 March 2026, and building on the success of our 2025 conference-a-thon, we invite scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts to submit abstracts for participation in a free, online, global, 24-hour symposium dedicated to celebrating the contributions of women to the medium of photography from photography’s announcement in 1839 to now. This unique event aims to highlight the diverse and impactful work of women and female-identifying photographers, and those working with photography, across all countries, continents, cultures, and time zones.
We seek 15-minute papers or proposed 30-minute panel discussions (with 3-4 participants listed who consent to participating) that explore a broad range of topics related to women’s contributions to photography. These may include but are not limited to:
- Influential and underappreciated women photographers or historians.
- The impact of gender on photographic practice and representation.
- The role of women in shaping the photographic medium or its exhibition.
- Cross-cultural perspectives on women’s contributions to photography.
- Challenges and achievements of women photographers in various global contexts.
Our goal is to foster a rich, international dialogue that underscores the significant yet often overlooked achievements of women in the field. Presentations will be scheduled to accommodate various time zones, ensuring a truly global exchange of ideas. Presenters of papers should be prepared to make and upload a video of their talks by 22 February 2026, and assistance with the recording process will be provided by the conference organizers.
To participate:
Please submit a 300-word (maximum) abstract outlining your proposed paper or 3-4-person panel proposal HERE (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeybp1Z7Ewb3dk9sTrBv7UF9ynwGtQLjRQ-pO3Nl9K_DCW-Dw/viewform?usp=header) by 1 August 2025. Only abstracts submitted through the Google Form will be considered for inclusion.
Selected papers will be notified by 1 October 2025, and detailed guidelines for presentations will be provided. We encourage contributions from diverse perspectives and regions to create a comprehensive and inclusive representation of women in photography.
Join us in celebrating the vibrant and transformative work of women photographers worldwide!
Women in Photography: A 24-Hour Conference-a-thon Celebrating International Women’s Day 2026 Co-Convenors:
Kris Belden-Adams, PhD, Associate Professor of Art History, University of Mississippi and Dr Rose Teanby, Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, UK
Key dates:
Call for papers - closes 1 August 2025
Notification of acceptance - 1 October 2025
Due date for videos of presentations - 22 February 2026
Conference-a-thon - 8 March 2026
The 2025 Conference-a-Thon: https://egrove.olemiss.edu/womenofphotography/2025/
