Women Visionary Council

The Women’s Visionary Council, established in 2008 by female researchers and activists, addresses the exclusion of women from crucial public dialogues on emerging therapies for mental health conditions. With a focus on psychedelic-assisted therapies using MDMA, psilocybin, cannabis, and other substances, the Council emphasizes the need for ethical discussions surrounding these investigations.

As the WVC advocates for increased representation of women in these conversations, it organizes conferences and workshops across the US and Canada, welcoming individuals of all genders. The Women’s Visionary Congress, a part of these gatherings, brings together women researchers, healers, artists, and activists to explore various forms of expanded consciousness. Workshops conducted by the WVC offer insights on risk reduction and the nuances of altered states, aiming to support women engaging with these topics and promote their inclusion in scholarly discourse.

Moreover, the WVC prioritizes amplifying the voices of people of color and facilitating knowledge exchange across generations and cultural traditions. By building an archive of presentations by women in the community, encompassing over a decade of research and activism, the Council aims to provide a valuable resource for future investigators. Additionally, the WVC highlights the historical absence of women, particularly women of color and indigenous women, in discussions about psychedelics despite their longstanding use of psychoactive plants for healing and spiritual practices.

The Council also recognizes the underrepresentation of women, including queer and trans women, in academic and medical roles advancing psychedelic research. Since its inception, the WVC has worked to provide a platform for women to share their work and perspectives on these substances and non-ordinary states of consciousness, notably through the annual Women’s Visionary Congress. This event has significantly increased women’s participation in discussions about psychedelic-assisted therapies and related cultural matters.

Furthermore, the WVC has expanded its focus to encompass broader discussions on healing and resilience. Topics such as transforming community food systems, reconnecting with the earth and its seasons, addressing sexual assault in psychedelic ceremonies, and confronting racism and cultural appropriation have been central to its conversations. Through these efforts, the WVC strives to foster inclusive dialogues that benefit individuals from diverse communities and backgrounds.

https://visionarycongress.org/

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