About the VAWGRN

Researching VAWG is tough; it can be lonely and overwhelming. The VAWGRN is a space for finding other researchers to support one another, and to develop new (and reignite old) collaborations. 

The network is committed to providing safe spaces where researchers can share their knowledge, research findings and work in progress.  

VAWG research has often overlooked the experiences of women and girls from marginalised communities, we include trans and non-binary people, and recognise the tension with the network’s name. The VAWGRN is committed working in ways that challenge ableism, racism, classism, heteronormativity. The network is committed to the Anti-Racism Working Group from the VAWG Sector call and is working to adopt its principles and values. The network accepts that this is a work in progress and always welcomes feedback on how to do better.

This is fundamental to the VAWGRN. We are so invested in this idea that we held a webinar devoted to it. As a network we accept that we aren’t always going to agree, conversations won’t always be easy and comfortable but by accepting this the network can provide spaces where researchers can discuss difficult, complicated topics and tasks without fear of recrimination. The network aims to provide its members with the opportunity to come together in spaces where respectful constructive criticism and challenge is the norm. 

The network takes every opportunity to celebrate and raise the profile of its members achievements.

VAWGRN was founded by Professor Miranda Horvath (Middlesex University) and Mark Gray (Middlesex University) following a meeting to discuss funding opportunities for violence against women and girls (VAWG) research.

The initial consortium meeting took place in September 2019 at Middlesex University with support from Tomi Ayodeji from Middlesex’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Office. At that first meeting, it became clear there was an urgent need for an interdisciplinary space where researchers could share work, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration. While the original ambition was to form a standing consortium for coordinated VAWG research, diverse research interests and the sense of isolation among participants led to a shift: rather than forming a tight consortium, there was strong interest in creating a broader network focused on connection and shared agenda-setting.

The name “VAWGRN” was adopted to signal a broad focus on all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG), and a commitment to building a research network rather than a closed consortium.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted early plans for in-person activities. In response, the VAWGRN shifted online and began running free virtual events, including webinars, workshops, and themed discussions,  marking the start of its digital event series and ongoing public programming.

During this time, the network saw rapid growth, with researchers and practitioners from across the UK and beyond joining. The Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network was launched in recognition of the distinct challenges early career colleagues face when researching VAWG. It became a vital peer-led space for support, learning, and solidarity.

VAWGRN formalised its structure with a Steering Committee and several working groups, all coordinated by volunteers, including a dedicated Research Events Working Group, and a Special Interests Group.

The ECR Network grew its programme of events to include writing retreats, digital researcher speed-dating events utilising the Gather.town platform, and informal spaces for connection such as coffee chats.

In May 2021, VAWGRN became an official member of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, strengthening its policy and campaigning connections

Membership grew to over 600 people working across academic disciplines, sectors, and regions. VAWGRN joined forces with the LEX Network to host their first, joint, in person conference at the University of Liverpool (Re)Connecting on Gender-Based Violence).

The VAWGRN joined forces with three other feminist networks (LEX, FRAN and CSEL) to host a second joint, in person conference at the University of Liverpool, (Thinking Theory, Research, and Practice: The Feminist Politics of Social Justice' Conference).

The VAWGRN hosted their third joint conference with feminist network collaborators (LEX, FRAN and CSEL), again at the University of Liverpool, on the topic of ‘Activism, Change and Feminist Futures: Remembering the Past to Reimagine the Future’.

Since the return of in-person working, the network has re-evaluated the offer that it provides its members with an aim to focus on fewer but more in-person events.  Alongside the increasing capacity of the steering committee and their day job responsibilities, the energy and connection that occurs at the conferences is at the heart of what the network aims to provide to its members: a place of connection and passion and support for people working to prevent violence against women. The network arose during a time when connection required a digital space, and now the network needs to adapt to meet the needs and desires of its membership in person once more.

The network continues —actively volunteer-run, with an open membership model and regular governance meetings. It now includes diverse members from academia, practice, activism, and beyond, while maintaining a commitment to fostering connection across disciplines.

The fourth joint conference hosted by the VAWGRN, LEX, FRAN and CSEL is again at the University of Liverpool in 2025 with the topic ‘A feminist politics of radical hope in a time of oppression’.