British Women Archaeologists was founded at the beginning of 2008 as a facebook group. Created and promoted by current postgraduate students and employed archaeologists, it seeks to offer a place where women studying or working within the discipline can communicate, share experiences and find support. Since its creation in January interest in the group has exceeded expectations. The first meeting of BWA took place on 30th May 2008 and discussed the need for a women's group within archaeology, how the group should function and what its main role/aim should be. The most effective ways of moving forward are still being discussed, please feel free to email us about any issues you feel relevant.
In an attempt to assess the status of women in archaeology, to gain information regarding attitudes to sex equality within the discipline and to determine what demand there is for a womens group in Archaeology we developed a short questionnaire which was launched in April 2008. A survey of this kind was only undertaken once before, by the IFA in 1990. To understand the specific issues that affect women in modern Archaeology and to create a group that reflects the needs of the discipline we would like as many archaeologists as possible to contribute. Please follow the link on the right to be taken to the survey - voice your opinion!
One respondant said:
"The only negative point that I feel about this, is that this kind of thing has taken so long to be arranged! These issues have been prevalent in the discipline, I understand, for years now, issues that should have been dealt with a long time ago. If the discipline as a whole wants to be taken seriously and to address other issues [..], then surveys [..] like this need to take place more often."
