British Women Archaeologists was founded at the beginning of 2008 as a Facebook group. Created and promoted by women working in archaeology, 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 such a group should function and what its main role/aims should be. The most effective ways of moving forward are constantly being reviewed and 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 had only been 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. This survey is now closed but others will follow; identifying needs through research is a crucial aim of the BWA  and we would like as many archaeologists as possible to contribute to this process.

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.. then surveys.. like this need to take place more often."