Women’s and Gender History 2026 in Bielefeld: Congress on Democracy, Diversity, and Responsibility

A scientific congress that sharpens the reading of the present

In Bielefeld, from September 9 to 11, 2026, women’s and gender history will meet for a congress that does not circle the political present but analytically penetrates it. Under the title Women’s and Gender History in Times of Challenges to Democracy, Diversity, and Responsibility, the conference brings together 41 specialized sections, panel discussions, an opening with an award ceremony, a World Café, and an evening event. The congress opens a space for debate, remembrance, and change of perspective. ([akhfg.de](https://akhfg.de/kongress-frauen-und-geschlechtergeschichte-in-zeiten-der-anfechtung-von-demokratie-diversitaet-und-verantwortung/))

History as a Living Practice

The conference starts where historical science gains social relevance: in archives, libraries, museums, universities, and even in social media contexts. The panels show how diverse women’s and gender history works today - from biographical approaches to Jewish experiences, religion and power, to transhistorical and international perspectives. Those who listen here do not experience a dry academic program but a literary experience of knowledge, driven by language, a spirit of debate, and methodological precision. ([genderhistory2026.de](https://www.genderhistory2026.de/))

A Place for Reading the Present

Bielefeld University will become the venue for a dense intellectual exchange for three days. In Lecture Hall X and in the university main building, academic authority, a reading atmosphere, and political urgency intertwine. The evening event on September 9, with a panel discussion and dissertation award, provides a festive framework for the congress; the day closes with a party at Forum Bielefeld on September 10, offering a sociable conclusion. ([genderhistory2026.de](https://www.genderhistory2026.de/))

Travel, Context, and Orientation

The congress takes place in Building X of Bielefeld University, not far from the university tram stop. Public parking is available in the parking garage beneath the building; the university also points out barrier-free access via UniMaps and free parking options on campus. This makes travel comfortable for guests from the region as well as for participants from outside. ([genderhistory2026.de](https://www.genderhistory2026.de/))

Participation Fees and Registration

Registration fees apply for participation in the congress. The event page lists the following fees as a guideline: Standard 60 euros in Early-Bird rate, 70 euros regular, and 90 euros for later registration; for students 30 to 40 euros, for professors or solidarity tickets 120 to 140 euros. Registration is done through the official congress page. ([genderhistory2026.de](https://www.genderhistory2026.de/))

This congress promises no comfortable certainty, but intellectual movement: an author-encounter with research that re-questions democracy, diversity, and responsibility. Those who want to experience the debates over gender, history, and the present live should mark this date. ([genderhistory2026.de](https://www.genderhistory2026.de/))

Official Channels of Women’s and Gender History 2026:

• Instagram: no official profile found
• Facebook: no official profile found
• Website: https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/fakultaeten/soziologie/forschung/projekte/genderhistory/
• Publisher: no official profile found

Sources:

• Working Group on Historical Women’s and Gender Research - Congress Announcement
• Bielefeld University - Gender History 2026
• Bielefeld University IZG - Events
• Bielefeld University - Travel
• Bielefeld University - Addresses