We aim, through professional networks, to meet and interact about our research and teaching experiences and to consider how these are affected by gender. We advocate for issues of importance to our members. We are interested in a wide range of professional issues with a specific interest in the particular traditions and requirements of our disciplines. We regularly organise panels on Australasian ancient world conferences, specifically ASCS and AMPHORAE, and we facilitate research collaborations involving our members.
In 2014 we offered our first research grant, open to all members. The grant is currently worth AUD $1000. Funding is also available to local chapters and we presently have affiliated chapters in Armidale, Auckland, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle and Sydney. Past activities hosted by AWAWS local chapters include symposia, lectures, professional development opportunities and social events. In future we hope to add to the range of scholarships available to individuals and funding provided to local chapters. An ongoing aim of the society is to recognise the achievements of many pioneering women by preserving and disseminating the history of these scholars. For more information, please contact us at [email protected]. |
Our History |
In 2010 female academics, postgraduates and post-doctoral fellows across Australia and New Zealand were asked whether they saw a place for a professional organisation for women who study and work on the ancient world. The responses we received over that year formed the basis for Australasian Women in Ancient World Studies.
As a consequence of those initial discussions, it was decided to hold the first meeting of the organisation at the 32nd annual meeting of the Australasian Society for Classical Studies (ASCS) in January 2011. With the generous assistance of the Classical Association of New South Wales, ASCS and a number of private donors, the society was launched at a luncheon with a guest speaker. Professor Vivienne Gray from the University of Auckland illustrated, through the careers of two notable New Zealand scholars Agathe Thornton and Daphne Hereward, the nature of the history of women in the discipline. In accordance with the wishes of those attending the inaugural AWAWS meeting and those who contributed to discussions beforehand, local chapters were established in Melbourne and Sydney mid 2011. AWAWS continues to grow and gain new members by holding an annual general meeting, and events at conferences and at a local chapter level. |
Our Rules and Constitution |
The current AWAWS constitution was amended at the AGM on 19 July 2022. The current constitution and its past iterations can be viewed here:
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