NNEWH calls for papers on chemical exposure

The National Network on Environments and Women’s Health (NNEWH) at York is interested in exploring the relationship between the exposure to chemicals and women’s health, and is looking to commission six papers on the subject.

The NNEWH is looking for papers that deal with the processes that produces chemicals (and chemical pollution), as well as the paths of exposure to chemicals, such as through the everyday consumption of goods.

The authors of the successful papers, chosen by a committee of the Advisory Board, will then present them in a pair of public lectures hosted by York, which will include students from the Faculties of Environmental Studies, Health, Women’s Studies and Osgoode Hall Law School. At each lecture, the three presenters will be joined on a panel by a commentator drawn from the NNEWH Advisory Board.

The NNEWH is particularly interested in proposals that adopt a social determinants of health model, which allows for analysis of the complex ways in which environments produce and reproduce conditions that create disparities in health. Proposals should also be geared towards successful knowledge mobilization – critical, engaged theoretical work that is relevant to public policy and contributes to social transformation.

The successful papers will be published in a collection edited by York law Professor Dayna Scott, who will write an introduction, and chair the two lecture events. The NNEWH will also organize a policy forum, based on the papers, and aimed at contributing to Health Canada’s strategic priority to reduce health and environmental risks from products and substances, and maintain healthy, sustainable living and working environments.

A workshop is also expected to be organized that will include several representatives from the Health Canada and Environment Canada policy community, including representatives from the Bureau of Women’s Health and Gender Analysis.

Successful authors will receive $3,000 for the production of the paper and the lecture, and will receive a further $1,000 for the completion of the policy brief and participation in the policy forum. In addition, travel and accommodation costs to Toronto for the lecture and to Ottawa for the policy forum will be covered.

Paper proposals of four to five pages should be submitted by Aug. 1, 2008. Submissions should also include a CV, a cover letter, and the names and contact information for two referees.

The NNEWH is one of four Centres of Excellence for Women’s Health, funded by the Bureau of Women’s Health and Gender Analysis, Health Canada, and is part of the York Institute for Health Research located at York University. NNEWH’s mandate is to produce knowledge on the relationship between environments and women’s health in order to improve understandings and ultimately improve health status.

 Timeline for papers:

  • July 2008 – Call for papers issued
  • August 1, 2008 – Proposals deadline
  • August 2008 – Committee of Advisory Board will review proposals
  • Successful proposals selected and authors notified
  • October 31, 2008 – Draft papers deadline
  • November 2008 – Public lecture events
  • January 9, 2009 – Final papers deadline
  • February 2009 – Policy Forum with Health Canada and policy briefs deadline

For more information, visit the NNEWH Web site.

Submit applications by e-mail to Dayna Scott at dscott@osgoode.yorku.ca and jyotip@yorku.ca or submit hard copies to:
Dayna Scott, director,
National Network on Environments and Women’s Health
5021 TEL Building, Keele campus

Direct questions to Jyoti Phartiyal, projects coordinator, at ext. 20715 or jyotip@yorku.ca.