Established in 1987, the Feminist Institute of Social Transformation fosters research and study, sponsors workshops and speakers, and promotes discussion and debate on women’s issues among faculty and students across the campus. Faculty members in various departments at Carleton University conduct research into diverse areas concerning women including: the history of women; women and work; gender and diversity; women and social policy; sexuality and sexual practices; women and the environment; violence against women; gender and the media; women and development; women and literature; and much more. In addition, the Institute houses the Carleton University – University of Ottawa Joint Chair in Women’s Studies, established by the Secretary of State Women’s Program in 1985.