Names and Faces

Anne Teather, 39

Career Profile: Completed my PhD (British Neolithic) in 2008 after a decade studying as a mature student, mostly as a single parent of two children. Enjoying my third year of lecturing on a short term contract. 


Why do you support the BWA? I have felt that there is a need for more cohesion in archaeology throughout my career. Women can be in areas when they may feel more isolated. Creating a place for communication, support, mentoring and real action will be of benefit to many.



Rachel Pope, 33

Career Profile: An academic prehistorian who has worked on over twenty sites, I've been in a permanent job for almost two years now following an extended post-doctoral period on a series of fixed-term posts, in a variety of cities.

Why do you support the BWA? I got fed up whinging about the female experience in pubs and decided to do something about it instead. As a new mum, I'm particularly concerned about discriminatory parenting legislation and how that colours women's career choices.





Joanna Wright, 32

Career Profile: Jo has worked in both the academic and commercial sectors since the fateful day she decided to become an archaeologist way back in 1993! Since obtaining her PhD in 2007, she has worked mainly in commercial archaeology whilst seeking her next appointment on that elusive career ladder.

Why do you support the BWA? Having spent a great deal of time on building sites, I have frequently experienced varying levels of discriminatory behaviour from both co-workers and contractors. I’ve ignored it for too long; this is unacceptable and needs to stop.  

Becca Pullen, 28

Career Profile: Almost six years experience in commercial field archaeology, and involvement in two major landscape research projects. Having recently completed an MA, I am about to embark on a new career researching and recording archaeological landscapes.

Why do you support the BWA? I’ve had few really negative experiences as a female practitioner, and have generally felt well supported, but I’m conscious that many others do experience difficulties. Sadly, there seems to be an underlying lack of self confidence amongst women in the sector; I believe (and hope) that the supporting role of the BWA as an arena for discussion can really help to address this.