Now more than ever, the work of the Women in American Studies Network is crucial to supporting, generating and amplifying the scholarly activities of all those in the discipline of American studies who identify as women and/or are marginalised on the gender spectrum. In the light of the Trump Administration’s dismantling of DEI initiatives, ongoing threats to academic freedom across a range of issues, and the recent Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of womanhood as resting on “biological sex,” we take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to fighting binary gender systems and resisting the political developments unfolding in the US, the UK and beyond.
The network exists to offer spaces to discuss the academic labour, challenges and opportunities for women working in American studies; to consider the intersection of race, class, sexuality, and gender in shaping careers in American studies; to facilitate networks of women working in American studies through hosting and promoting training events, workshops, online forums and mentoring; and to promote the work and career opportunities for network members. The network and our members sponsor events that are open to all.
We are looking for a chair or co-chairs for the Women in American Studies Network to lead the Network at this critical time. The role requires organising and chairing three steering committee meetings per year, liaising with steering committee members, monitoring the WASN mailing list and social media account, and using these for signposting of related events and to promote our own activities. Please note this is a voluntary role, with no renumeration. You do not have to currently be a member of an association’s committee or board, but it is hoped that on appointment as WASN chair, you will be co-opted onto an association’s organising committee, which will bring its own responsibilities and commitments as well as support structures.
Please send expressions of interest, along with a short biography, to womenamericanstudiesnetwork@gmail.com by 1st September 2025.
If you have any questions about the role, the network or the steering committee, please contact Dr Jenny Woodley (Interim Chair of WASN) at the address above.
