Frequently Asked Questions
Who are we?
The Society for Women* in Philosophy Switzerland (SW*IP CH) is a non-profit composed of women* and their allies within the academic field of philosophy. The association was established in September 2017 with the aim to combat gender inequality in the field of philosophy.
Who is included under the term women*?
Anyone who identifies as a woman, a member of a gender minority, or feels that they are included within the purview of our work to make the academic field of philosophy inclusive and safe for all by getting rid of structural, institutional, or cultural barriers to equal access and opportunity in order to create space for and to recognize the contributions of all persons working in philosophy.
Click here to learn more about our founding goals and the principles ruling our organisation
Click here to learn about our board members
Click here to learn about local and Swiss wide events
What is the relation between SW*IP CH and other SW*IP chapters around the world?
SW*IP CH is an independent organization that operates nationally in Switzerland while cooperating with other SW*IP chapters by sharing information, resources, and aims.
Are people who do not identify as women* welcome to become members or support us?
Yes! Any natural person of legal age, as well as any legal person (including non-profits, associations, or corporations), may become a member of SW*IP CH.
Can associations also join SW*IP CH as members?
Associations that share similar aims or support the cause can become members of SW*IP CH.
What is the role of the executive board and who is part of the executive board?
The executive board is responsible for all matters relating to the association as determined within the statutes. The executive board members are elected at the yearly general assembly for the term of a year.
​
What do we do?
SW*IP CH works to create platforms, events, and networks to connect women* and their allies to create a support network, educate about issues that impact them in academia, provide career support resources to women* as well as provide space to discuss issues that impact them generally.
-
SW*IP CH reading groups;
-
SW*IP CH workshops, trainings, and events;
-
SW*IP CH inclusive syllabi;
-
SW*IP CH Statistics of Women in Philosophy;
-
Have an idea for an event or project? Contact us and we will work with you to make it happen!
-
SW*IP CH Networking Conference 2018
-
Achtung Durchsage
-
So you want to do a PhD?
-
...and many more!
​
Who do I contact if I need help?
Do you have a problem at your university and/or need local support? Consider contacting the responsible gender equality office at your University:
​
Equality Office at the University of Bern
Equality Office at the University of Basel
Equality Commission at the University of Lucerne
Equality Office at the University of Lucerne
Equality Office at the University of St. Gallen
Equality Oficce at the University of Zurich
Equality Office at the University of Fribourg
Equality Office at the University of Lausanne
Equality Office at the University of Neuchatel
Equality Office at the University of Geneva
Equality Office at the Università della Svizzera italiana
​
For general questions, or if you are not sure whom to write please write us at info@swipswitzerland.org or contact one of the executive board members!
​
Why is SW*IP CH necessary?
Women* based in Switzerland, working in the academic field of philosophy are massively underrepresented, excluded, and made invisible on all levels of academia, in syllabi, and in the philosophical canon. Moreover, women* (not only in philosophy) suffer from explicit and implicit gender discrimination, micro-aggressions, sexual harassment, and an abusive and discriminatory academic culture that causes them to drop out of the career pipeline of philosophy or academic ambitions at higher rates and can make their work lives unnecessarily challenging. Additionally, the philosophical work of women* historically has and still is undervalued, belittled, or relegated out of the canon of philosophy. SW*IP CH’s mandate includes combating and ending the persistence of those conditions that enable and uphold toxic environments and structures for women* within the field of philosophy.
Why does Switzerland need its own SW*IP?
Even though there are a lot of similarities, for example, between the German and the Swiss academia, there are relevant differences (i.e. national and local funding structures and opportunities) that we can address more effectively as a Swiss-based association. This includes bridging the cultural-linguistic divides in Switzerland by establishing a local network of women* in philosophy and their allies. SW*IP CH cooperates with other branches of SWIP worldwide.
Is SW*IP CH a political or philosophical association?
SW*IP CH is a feminist association; therefore, it has a political orientation to end gender-based oppression in the field of philosophy, which we consider a broad philosophical and political orientation.
​
Is it necessary to work on topics concerning feminist philosophy to become a member?
No. We promote feminist philosophy because it closely relates to our work and aims and because it is a marginalized domain of philosophy within most philosophical institutes and departments despite its important contributions to the canon, but you do not need to have a specific interest or work in feminist philosophy to be a member. We support women* philosophers in any field of philosophy and aim to increase their representation regardless of academic interest.
​
How can I contribute?
You can contribute to our work in many ways and we welcome each one of them:
-
Suggest events and help organise them;
-
Become a SW*IP CH representative at your university;
-
Help support your local SW*IP CH branch and its activities;
-
Make a donation! If you cannot commit your time to our cause but would still like to support us we are always happy about one-time donations or more regular benefactors of our association.
You can become a member by filling out the membership form and sending it to the executive board electronically or in writing. Membership applications can be accepted at any time. Admission into SW*IP CH indicates that you have accepted the statutes and is conferred upon payment of the yearly membership dues.
What does being a member entail?
As a member, you receive regular updates and information about the activities and work of SW*IP CH as well as regarding job opportunities and events. You are expected to pay an annual membership fee (Regular: 40 CHF, Reduced: 20 CHF, Sponsoring Membership: 40+ CH) and are welcome to attend and to vote in our yearly general assemblies.
What kind of support do we provide you as a member?
We send you regular updates on our activities, events, trainings, networking as well as job opportunities in the field of philosophy within Switzerland as well as abroad. Membership provides you access to a broad network of women* philosophers and their allies both at home and abroad.
Whom do I contact if I have questions about membership?
Write us at info@swipswitzerland.org!
Whom do I contact if I have questions about how to support your work?
Please write us at info@swipswitzerland.org.
​
I have an idea for an event - where do I begin?
Contact us here! We are always happy to discuss your ideas and make them happen (within the limits of our capacities).
​
Can I still contact SW*IP CH for help if I am not a member?
Yes! If you have concerns related to our work, for instance, you have experienced discrimination, harassment, or have suffered because of a toxic or abusive culture or atmosphere at your university or place of work, or have concerns regarding the representation of women* in your institute we are happy to provide you with help and resources to both support you and educate or create a safer environment.
Is it necessary to work on topics concerning feminist philosophy to become a member?
No. We support women* philosophers in any field of philosophy and aim to increase their representation regardless of academic interest. We promote feminist philosophy because it closely relates to our work and aims and because it is a marginalized domain of philosophy within most philosophical institutes and departments despite its important contributions to the canon. However, you do not need to have a specific interest in feminist philosophy to be a member.
How can I use SW*IP CH resources (sharing, reproducing in print or online)?
Please feel free to share our links, events, and posters and download the good practice guide, but please do not use our reproduce our logo, pictures, or text without our explicit permission.
Can I use your pictures and logo?
Please refrain from using our pictures or logo without our permission. Please contact us if you need promotional or information material. We are happy to provide it to you!
​