Our activities take the following forms:
1. We will respond and act as directed by the concerns of our members.
2. We will continue to support and conduct original research and assimilate wider research on the profession that can assist in identifying and qualifying the challenges ahead.
3. We will continue to keep abreast of current legislation and the political environment to ensure we are continuing to act in the best interests of our members.
4. When problems have been identified, we will identify routes for improvements and where appropriate work with other organisations to promote and assist positive change.
5. We will create and maintain a Media Centre to promote the representation of women archaeologists in the media.
6. We will facilitate the promotion of National Role Models, women and men who have assisted the development of women within the profession in order to help members feel encouraged and supported.
Many women need our support. A high number are still experiencing sex-based discrimination in the workplace; of the 82 responses to our 2008 survey, 58% had either direct experience of sexist comments at work or a Higher Education institution, or knew of others who had. Little surprise then that over 84% of you were in favour of a group such as BWA! A group that does not exclude men but which does provide a women's-only forum, and that's what we've been creating: http://britishwomenarchaeologists.ning.com/forum
A steering committee was founded to guide the group in the early formation stages and to implement both short and long terms goals. This is a non-profit making organisation yet we need a financial base to provide membership cards and pens, promote the group and maintain the website etc. If you believe in our goals please support us, either through joining us or just a donation!
If you would like to be involved, or have someone from the BWA come and present the results of the survey at your university or workplace, email us at womeninarchaeology@hotmail.com.
