Annual Conference
#IAmSahraBulle Conference
The #IAmSahraBulle Conference is an annual gathering that brings together educators, students, community leaders, researchers, and practitioners to advance dialogue, education, and institutional responsibility in addressing gender-based violence. Hosted in collaboration with the University of Windsor, the conference creates space for reflection, learning, and collective action.
4th Annual #IAmSahraBulle Conference
Registration Is Now Open
“From Awareness to Action: Ending Violence in Our Homes, Schools, and Communities”
Join us on November 26, 2026
Free to attend · In person at Vanier Hall, University of Windsor
Thursday, November 26, 2026
8:30 AM – 3:15 PM
Vanier Hall, University of Windsor
Sahra Bulle Foundation & UWindsor Office of the VP, People, Equity and Inclusion
Conference Agenda
Morning Sessions
Check-in, refreshments, and an opportunity to connect with fellow participants.
Keynote
(Mis)informed Consent: How AI Scales Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence
Presented by: Dr. Bonnie Stewart
This talk examines how AI and misinformation affect consent and agency, including how AI can amplify gender-based violence and risks for vulnerable populations. It explores the limitations of algorithmic consent and the importance of informed consent, while recognizing AI’s potential to support survivors.
Session 1A
Practicing Bystander Intervention and Preventing Gender-Based Violence
Presented by: Dr. Maddie Brockbank
This session explores gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV), barriers to support, and the 5 Ds of bystander intervention. Participants will practise responding through real-world scenarios using a critical, intersectional feminist approach.
Session 1B
What Survivors See that Systems Miss: Improving Recognition and Response in GBV and Exploitation
Presented by: Vanessa Fleming
This session examines the gaps between survivors’ experiences of gender-based violence and the systems meant to support them, highlighting barriers to care and survivor-informed responses.
Session 1C
Beyond Awareness: Community-Led Responses to Gender-Based Violence
Presented by: Dr. Boluwaji (Bolu) Olaniru
This session explores preventing gender-based violence through the FGM/C case study, examining harmful practices and culturally responsive approaches to prevention, survivor support, and accountability.
Session 1D
When Silence Becomes a System: Practical Tools for Frontline Workers to Recognize, Respond and Act on Gender-Based Violence
Presented by: Dr. Pamela Pine
This session explores how childhood adversity, community silence, and institutional failures shape gender-based violence, with a focus on marginalized women.
Afternoon Sessions
Session 2A
Unprepared at the Front Lines: Exploring Nurses’ Readiness to Recognize Human Sex Trafficking in North America: Scoping Review
Presented by: Sara Williams
This presentation explores nurses’ readiness to respond to human trafficking and its links to systemic inequities. It emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally responsive care that prioritizes safety and autonomy.
Session 2B
From Installation to Dialogue: ‘feeling deeply’ Art and Gender-Based Violence
Presented by: Julie Sando, Kate Hargreaves, and Rachel Soulliere, moderated by Anne Rudzinski
The ‘feeling deeply’ art installation highlights the wide range of emotions that may be experienced in connection with gender-based violence from the perspectives of survivors, supporters, bystanders, and witnesses. Building on the themes explored in the installation, this panel discussion will examine questions surrounding the creation, display, and viewing of art that engages with gender-based violence and trauma.
Session 2C
Reclaiming Your Voice: A Trauma-Informed Presentation to Cultivate Self-Compassion & Assertiveness
Presented by: Michelle Weglarz
This interactive session explores self-compassion, boundaries, and assertive communication through practical strategies for speaking up with confidence and compassion, using Dr. Kristin Neff’s work and the 3 Steps to Assertiveness framework.
Session 2D
Eight Steps to Getting Out
Presented by: Sofi Khan
This session explores GAWGO’s eight steps, from recognizing abuse and planning a safe exit to managing post-separation risks and healing, with a focus on strategic silence and safety planning.
Session 3A
Supporting Survivors Across Diverse Communities
Presented by: Marko Kozul and Farah Eideh
This presentation explores how identity shapes experiences of gender-based violence and how to recognize warning signs, overcome barriers, and support survivors.
Love Shouldn’t Hurt: Recognizing Harm, Supporting Friends and Finding Help Through A Hub Without Walls
Presented by: Madison DeKok, Hub Without Walls (HWoW)
This session explores how to support people experiencing violence through compassionate listening, recognizing barriers, and connecting survivors with appropriate resources.
Session 3B
Bystander Intervention
Presented by: Kaden Reid
This session explores the opportunities and challenges of engaging men’s varsity athletes in gender-based and sexual violence prevention. Drawing on preliminary research, it examines what shapes student-athletes’ participation in anti-violence work and the potential of athletics to advance prevention efforts.
Student Leadership at Campus Womxn’s Centres
Presented by: Gracie Williamson, Kim Courtis, Addy Taylor
This interactive session explores the experiences of creating and maintaining inclusive campus spaces, led by current and former UWindsor Womxn’s Centre coordinators. A Q&A will give participants the opportunity to ask questions.
Session 3C
Applying Design Thinking Methods to Intimate Partner Violence Mental Health Research
Presented by: Nikoo Aghaei and Jaden Chong
This session explores how design thinking and survivor-led research can improve intimate partner violence mental health research, featuring the Our IPV Story initiative and a hands-on activity.
Session 3D
Deepening the Conversation: A Follow-Up to Session 1D
Presented by: Dr. Pamela Pine
Building on the morning presentation, this session invites participants to further explore practical approaches to recognizing and responding to gender-based violence in frontline settings. (Attendance at Session 1D is recommended but not required.)
Available throughout the conference day
feeling deeply: An Art & Craft Installation and Social Space
Presented by the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention, Resistance, and Support
Explore feeling deeply, an interactive art and craft installation and social space created to encourage reflection, connection, and creative expression. Conference participants are welcome to visit the installation at any time throughout the conference.
Additional Information
Accessibility
- Accessible venue and washrooms
- Quiet/reflection space
For accommodation requests, please contact afnanal@uwindsor.ca.
Content Advisories
Some sessions may address topics that participants may find sensitive or challenging. Session-specific content advisories are included in the session descriptions during registration to support informed participation.
Networking Opportunities
Dedicated networking opportunities are available during registration, breaks, and lunch.
Agenda subject to change.
Register Now →About the conference
About the #IAmSahraBulle Conference
The #IAmSahraBulle Conference was created to honour Sahra Bulle's legacy by advancing education, dialogue, and institutional responsibility around gender-based violence. Each year the conference brings together diverse voices from across education, community organizations, and public institutions to explore prevention, accountability, and survivor-centred responses.
Through keynote presentations, workshops, and panel discussions, participants engage with research, lived experience, and practical strategies that strengthen institutional response and community awareness.
2026 Conference
2026 #IAmSahraBulle Conference
November 26, 2026
University of Windsor
16 Days of Activism Against GBV
Scheduled for November 26, 2026, the conference will be held in collaboration with the University of Windsor's Office of the Vice-President, People, Equity and Inclusion during the UN's 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The event will bring together educators, advocates, students, and community leaders to advance dialogue, accountability, and institutional responsibility.
Past conferences
Conference Archive
2025 Conference
#IAmSahraBulle 2025
Date: November 26, 2025
Theme: UN's 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
Organized in collaboration with the University of Windsor's Office of the Vice-President, People, Equity and Inclusion. Through keynote presentations, workshops, and facilitated discussions, the conference created space for education, reflection, and collective action.
2024 Conference
#IAmSahraBulle 2024
Date: December 4, 2024
Theme: Come Together, Act Now
A hybrid event organized in collaboration with the University of Windsor featuring discussions and sessions designed to encourage awareness, responsibility, and collective action toward safer and more equitable communities.
2023 Conference
#IAmSahraBulle 2023
Date: December 1, 2023
Theme: Listen, Learn, and Act
The inaugural #IAmSahraBulle Conference organized in collaboration with the University of Windsor. This hybrid event created space for education, reflection, and community engagement aimed at strengthening awareness and collective responsibility in preventing gender-based violence.
In the news
Media & Coverage
The Sahra Bulle Foundation's work has been recognized across Canadian media. Below is a selection of coverage highlighting the foundation's mission, the #IAmSahraBulle Conference, and Fartumo Kusow's advocacy for survivors of intimate partner violence.
CBC News & Radio
CBC Windsor Morning
A Windsor woman whose daughter was murdered joins the studio
Fartumo Kusow joins CBC Windsor Morning to speak about her daughter Sahra and the foundation's mission.
Listen →CBC Windsor Morning
Reaching women trapped in unhealthy partnerships
Interview on the foundation's outreach work supporting women in harmful relationships.
Listen →CBC News
Fartumo Kusow on grief and founding the Sahra Bulle Foundation
CBC News feature on Fartumo speaking publicly about Sahra's death and launching the foundation.
Read Article →CTV News
CTV News Windsor
Mother of Sahra Bulle launches foundation to fight intimate partner violence
Coverage of Fartumo Kusow launching the Sahra Bulle Foundation with the #IAmSahraBulle Conference at the University of Windsor.
Read Article →CTV News Windsor
Windsor walk honours Sahra Bulle, calls for action on IPV
Coverage of the community walk honouring Sahra Bulle and raising awareness about intimate partner violence.
Read Article →Windsor Star
Windsor Star
Mom of slain Windsor woman starts foundation to fight domestic violence
Windsor Star coverage of the foundation launch and Fartumo Kusow's mission to honour Sahra's memory through education and advocacy.
Read Article →Windsor Star
Shattered forever — family expresses grief as killer maintains innocence
Windsor Star coverage of the Marbury trial and the family's victim impact statement.
Read Article →Video Coverage
CBC Video
CBC News video feature on the Sahra Bulle Foundation
CBC video coverage featuring Fartumo Kusow and the foundation's work in Windsor and beyond.
Watch Video →YouTube
#IAmSahraBulle Conference — Video Coverage
Video documentation of the #IAmSahraBulle Conference bringing together community leaders, educators, and advocates.
Watch Video →Voices from the conference
Participant Reflections
"The concurrent format allowed participants to explore topics they were most interested in."
— Conference Participant
"Keynote message was powerful and meaningful."
— Conference Participant
"Thank you for creating a space for these important conversations."
— Conference Participant
Our reach
Impact
Since its launch, the #IAmSahraBulle Conference has brought together educators, students, and community leaders to advance education and dialogue around gender-based violence. The conference continues to expand participation and deepen collaboration between institutions and community organizations.
Get involved
Stay Connected
The #IAmSahraBulle Conference continues to grow each year through partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, and advocates committed to building safer and more accountable communities.
Partner with us
Bring the conference to your institution or become an organizational partner.
Submit a proposal
Share your research, lived experience, or practice at the next #IAmSahraBulle Conference.
Stay informed
Follow updates on the 2026 conference, call for proposals, and foundation news.