The Centre for Gender and Women’s Studies at Lancaster University is unique. It is one of the largest centres in the UK for feminist research, gender studies and women’s studies, and it is the only centre of its kind in the North West of England. Over 30 years old, CGWS has a long and proud history, counting many world-leading leading feminist academics amongst its former directors and/or alumni.

CGWS is currently directed by Debra Ferreday.

Former directors of the Centre include Jackie Stacey, Sara Ahmed, Celia Lury, Bev Skeggs, Gail Lewis, Lynne Pearce, Anne-Marie Fortier, Vicky Singleton, Maureen McNeil, Celia Roberts, Imogen Tyler and Vicky Singleton. Sylvia Walby was the founding Director of Women’s Studies at Lancaster (1979-1989) setting up teaching programmes and the Women’s Studies Research Centre.