Program 2026
International speakers & panelists | 4 in-depth panel discussions | 3 days of networkingDay 1
Sep 10, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Wien
Check-In & Welcome
Check-in will take place from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, including welcome coffee and cake. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow participants, network, and prepare for an engaging...Read More
1:00 pm–2:00 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
Welcome to Women in Law 2026 – Official Opening
We’re kicking off the Women in Law Conference 2026 with a warm welcome from Dr. Alix Frank-Thomasser, President of the Women in Law Initiative, and Prof. Franz J. Heidinger, Vice-President...Read More
Franz J. Heidinger
Alix Frank-Thomasser
2:00 pm-3:30 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
Facing the Backlash: Defending Women´s Rights in a Time of Setback
TRACK 1: Focus on the global overview of current developments, including the DEI backlash in the United States and its global implications. Discussion on maintaining progress achieved over the past...Read More
Sara Carnegie
Brankica Janković
Barbara Giovanna Bello
Margaret Thornton
Sandra S. Yamate
Susanne Hirschberg
3:30 pm-4:00 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
Male Allies in Action: From Awareness to Engagement
TRACK 2: As male allyship declines among younger generations and in universities, this track examines toxic masculinity, generational shifts, and global best practices to strenghten engagement year-round. Keynote by Ed...Read More
Nadine Nembach
Joan Toth
Ed Frauenheim
Stefan Perner
Namira Negm
Nikolaus Forgó
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
Day 1 Wrap-Up
Before we conclude the first day, we’ll recap the highlights and key messages from the sessions, answer any remaining questions, and provide all essential information for the evening events and...Read More
7:00 pm
Heuriger | Viennese Wine Tavern "10er Marie"
Get-Together at Viennese Heuriger
The Women in Law Initiative invites all attendees to the Mayor’s Reception at a typical Viennese Wine Tavern (Heuriger) at “10er Marie Heuriger“, Ottakringerstrasse 222-224, 1160 Vienna. Tram 44: Johannes...Read More
Day 2
Sep 11, 2026
9:00 am - 9:30 am
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
Check-In & Morning Coffee
Check-in & Morning Coffee from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow participants, network, and prepare for an engaging day ahead. We look forward...Read More
9:30 am – 10:00 am
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
Day 2 Kick-Off
Join us as we welcome everyone back, highlight what’s ahead for the day, and share a few important announcements before the sessions begin.
Franz J. Heidinger
Alix Frank-Thomasser
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
AI and the Future of Work: Gender Equality in the Age of Automation
TRACK 3: Examination of AI-driven changes in the workplace, legal implications, and the ways automated systems reinforce gender bias. Focus on regulatory frameworks and the increasing scale of the challenge....Read More
Sonja Carlson
Franziska Bampini
Mariella Rieder
Selen Yakar
Julia Kalus
Annette Doms
Ana Carla Bliacheriene
Aida von Schulman
Sally Penni
12:30 pm-1:30 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
Roadmap to Equality and Women´s Rights in Practice
TRACK 4: A hands-on track addressing strategic litigation, tools available to practitioners across courts (European courts, human rights courts, U.S. context, etc.), and mechanisms to empower the next generation of...Read More
Kerstin Schinnerl
Francesca Restifo
Linda Senden
Jone Elizondo-Urrestarazu
Ayesha A. Malik
Paula Tavares
Marion Guerrero
3:00 pm-3:45 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
Closing Session & Call to Action
We’ll wrap up the conference with a short summary of the main takeaways, reflect on the discussions we’ve shared, and look ahead to the next steps in advancing women’s rights....Read More
Franz J. Heidinger
Alix Frank-Thomasser
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Altes Rathaus, Wipplingerstraße 6/8, 1010 Vienna
Justitia Awards Gala 2026
We are delighted to welcome you to the Justitia Awards Gala 2026. Please arrive early to allow sufficient time for check-in and seating (7:00 PM – 7:30 PM). Formal attire...Read More
Day 3
Sep 12, 2026
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Vienna
Social Saturday
Social Saturday – Discover Vienna Together After two days of inspiring discussions, networking and exchange, we invite you to join us for a relaxed Social Saturday on 12 September 2026...Read More