Women's Studies: Groups and Associations

"The Institute for Women’s Policy Research conducts rigorous research and disseminates its findings to address the needs of women, promote public dialog, and strengthen families, communities, and societies. It is the leading think tank in the U.S. focusing primarily on domestic women’s issues. Founded in 1987, IWPR’s reports and other informational resources have informed policies and programs across the U.S." Most of their recent reports (like "The Gender Wage Gap by Occupation") are available as free downloads.

"American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches, and 600 college/university institution partners....AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research." Their "Public Policy" area states their positions and links to limited Additional Resources.

Publisher of Ms. Magazine, "The Feminist Majority Foundation (FMF), which was founded in 1987, is a cutting edge organization dedicated to women's equality, reproductive health, and non-violence. In all spheres, FMF utilizes research and action to empower women economically, socially, and politically. Our organization believes that feminists - both women and men, girls and boys - are the majority, but this majority must be empowered. " Click Research Center in the upper frame for links to some useful materials.

"Since its founding in 1966, NOW's goal has been to take action to bring about equality for all women. NOW works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice system, and all other sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia; and promote equality and justice in our society." Explore Issues to the left of the landing page, or click Hot Topics in the upper frame to see current campaigns and support materials.

"The Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College is one of the largest gender-focused research-and-action organizations in the world. Scholars at the Centers conduct social science research and evaluation, develop theory and publications, and implement training programs on issues that put women’s lives and women’s concerns at the center. Since 1974, our work has generated changes in attitudes, practices, and public policy." Explore Publications from the top frame.

Suffolk's own! "The Center for Women's Health and Human Rights (CWHHR) at Suffolk University is the first academic institute in the United States to focus on women's health and human rights in the social sciences, arts and humanities, and public policy. Founded in 2003, the CWHHR is committed to furthering the dignity and wellbeing of women and girls everywhere by exploring and extending the linkages between women's health and human rights."

"The Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID) is an international, multi-generational, feminist, creative, future-orientated membership organization committed to achieving gender equality, sustainable development and women's human rights." Publications include Religious Fundamentalisms, Women Human Rights Defenders, The Impact of the Crisis on Women and Gender and New Technologies.

"Under the leadership of Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues Melanne Verveer, the Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues (S/GWI) seeks to ensure that women’s issues are fully integrated in the formulation and conduct of U.S. foreign policy. The Office of Global Women’s Issues works to promote stability, peace, and development by empowering women politically, socially, and economically around the world.”" With links to policy briefs, blogs and archives.

"Established in 1977, the National Women's Studies Association has as one of its primary objectives promoting and supporting the production and dissemination of knowledge about women and gender through teaching, learning, research and service in academic and other settings." Click Resources to see a few useful materials like a directory of Women's and Gender Studies Programs, Centers and Affiliate Institutional Members.

Still regularly updated, this webpage "links to more than 900 women's/gender/feminist studies programs, departments, and research centers around the world that have web sites. Programs and departments offering graduate degrees or concentrations have this fact noted in an annotation below the link. "