| WISE Profile Women's International
Studies Europe (WISE) is the European association for individuals and institutions
involved in women's studies, founded in 1990. WISE seeks to further feminist
critiques of knowledge, and support practices and research, which will
improve the quality of women's lives.
WISE aims to promote women's studies teaching, research and publication in
Europe and defends the interests of women's studies on a European and international
level in all appropriate institutions and organizations.
WISE is grounded
in women's studies organizations throughout Europe. Wherever women's studies
associations exist, they designate a representative to WISE. In other countries,
representatives are either chosen locally or selected by WISE governing
bodies. Today, there are national contacts in almost every country of Europe.
WISE considers the contacts with national associations of vital importance.
WISE also has international thematic networks called divisions, for instance
one on cultural practice and communication. This division publishes Feminist
Europa, a review of books published in languages other than English.
WISE has
been established as a democratic organization. All members have a vote
at the General Assembly, bi-annual meetings held at major international
women’s studies conferences. A Council consisting of national and
division representatives elects the Board, which ensures the on-going tasks,
along with the International Secretariat.
WISE is supported
by the European Commission and national ministries, and recognized as a
Non-Governmental Organization by the United Nations and the Council of
Europe.
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