What are the key functions of this society?
Isabelle: WIWIP is meant to create a community for gender theorists and women in the political and security space. We focus on gender theory within both contemporary and historical contexts. Our aim is to build networks between women in this sector and to provide a safe environment for discussing these important and interesting issues.
What motivated you to join WIWIP?
Isabelle: Over the past year, I have had the privilege of serving as the co-lead of WIWIP and the co-editor-in-chief of ‘The Athena’, the journal of WIWIP.
What motivated me to join the project was the desire to find a community of like-minded people. Moving to a university in a country that isn't your own and not knowing anyone can be challenging, especially in a highly political environment. WIWIP is exactly what I was looking for: individuals interested in discussing gender issues and the development of gender theory in academia, particularly from a politics and security perspective.
Joining WIWIP has been a fantastic experience, as I’ve been engaging in discussions on fascinating topics with a diverse community. I have met so many incredible people, from doctors and professors to fellow students who share similar interests.
Can you share a specific initiative that WIWIP has undertaken to foster inclusivity and diversity?
Isabelle: ‘The Athena’ is a journal we launched this year to create a more diverse, inclusive space where people could publish pieces, articles and even academic essays that they were proud of, specifically related to gender issues.
In the academic space, publishing can often be very closed off. To publish, you typically need connections and more than just a degree. We wanted to create a space where all voices could be heard, regardless of background, and where people wouldn't be afraid that their background might hinder their ability to publish.
What activities WIWIP organises to encourage participation among students?
Isabelle: In the last year we have mainly organised networking events, roundtable discussions, and ‘The Athena’ writing sessions. The first type, such as our meet-up at The Vault, provided an opportunity for members to connect, discuss their passions, share backgrounds, and get to know each other better. These events are particularly beneficial for first-year students or those trying to build a community and network, offering a relaxed environment to facilitate conversations. The second type focused on specific topics. For example, in November 2023, we held a discussion on gender violence and the importance of a gender approach to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. These roundtables are interactive, with Q&A sessions that push students to engage with gender theories, politics, and security issues, ask questions, and connect with knowledgeable peers.
Finally, writing for our journal encourages participation by providing a platform for students to publish their work. We also have a blog space for less formal writing, allowing for creative expression on topics such as movies, books, and events through the lens of gender theory. These activities aim to foster critical thinking and engagement with contemporary literature and resources, creating a supportive and dynamic community.
WIWIP emphasises trans-inclusive and intersectional feminism. How does this approach contribute to a more inclusive environment within the Department of War Studies?
Isabelle: When it comes to trans-inclusion and intersectional feminism, we see our role as primarily supportive. In today's academia, especially in security, politics, and war studies, the discourse is heavily dominated by cisgender, white male voices. We strive to offer an alternative through three main pillars.
The first pillar is networking, as it’s crucial for academics—it helps them get published, gain respect, encounter diverse opinions, and establish essential connections. The second pillar is connecting different backgrounds. As a white female, my perspective on the world and the power dynamics affecting me will differ significantly from that of a black female. Therefore, it's vital for us to foster communication and dialogue among people from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. This provides us valuable insights and knowledge on the different layered realities of being a woman.
The third pillar is creating a space for thinking and writing. Academia can be intimidating, with publishing being largely inaccessible to many. We provide an open platform where individuals can publish their work, allowing them to think and write with purpose. This is particularly important for students like me who might not pursue a master's degree immediately. Having a platform like WIWIP and ‘The Athena’ ensures that my voice continues to be heard, even if I don't fit the traditional academic mould.
How does WIWIP support confidence in a male-dominated environment?
Isabelle: I believe WIWIP also contributes to building confidence by affirming an individual's interest in gender theory and oppression, and by validating any feelings of frustration that usually come with studying the place of gender in the contemporary world.
From my personal experience, I come from a background where people often question the importance of gender theory, suggesting it’s not a significant issue. Being part of a community where so many individuals are confident in their fight for gender equality and their interest in gender theory is incredibly reassuring. It creates a sense of belonging and reinforces the idea that you’re not alone or "crazy" for caring about these issues. This communal support is very reaffirming. Knowing that others share your concerns and passions can bolster your confidence in your choices and your discourse. In essence, WIWIP provides a space where you are allowed to be passionate and committed to these topics, which is immensely empowering.
Have there been challenges in promoting inclusivity at King's?
Isabelle: The first challenge we need to address in academia is the inclusivity of reading lists. While this perspective is personal rather than an official stance from WIWIP, I'm confident the committee will support me. Reading lists at major universities like King's are heavily non-inclusive. From my own experience in my year one International Relations Theory (IR) course, which is supposed to cover a broad range of IR theories, there was only one week dedicated to feminist perspectives and one week to queer perspectives. The reading lists were overwhelmingly dominated by white, cis male authors, with little to no diversity in terms of race, gender or sexuality.
This is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed and, fortunately, there are more studies today highlighting the lack of intersectionality in academic reading lists. The lack of diversity in reading materials is striking, and addressing this is a vital first step toward achieving greater inclusivity in the academic space.
One way we've tackled this problem has been to connect students with professors who are heavily involved in gender theory and committed to inclusivity, and who care about using diverse backgrounds to inform their knowledge. By fostering these connections, we create a space where students can find the right professors for them and discover courses that align with their interests.
How could a person become a member of WIWIP?
Isabelle: The application process is straightforward. It typically opens in September, and you have a couple of weeks to submit your application. (If you miss it, just email us and we’ll see what we can do to get you in anyways!) The application consists of answering a few simple questions about your interests and motivations. Last year, we took approximately two weeks to review applications and respond. After the application review, we organize an “meeting” event to get to know the applicants better and understand their interests and aspirations within WIWIP. Following this, we begin the onboarding process for the different teams within WIWIP.
As I’ve said before, membership in this society is valuable because it allows you to create a community with like-minded individuals who are interested in gender issues, gender theory, and the role of women in international politics and work.
To find out more about WIWIP, visit their website https://www.wiwip-kcl.com/ and follow them on Instagram @wiwip_kcl