Gender and Feminist Geographies Research Group

Constitution

  1. Name
    The name of the Group shall be the Gender and Feminist Geographies Research Group (GFGRG).
  2. Aims of the Group
    The aims of the Group are:
    • To encourage the study of the geographical implications of gender and other forms of intersecting differentiation in society and the discipline of geography.
    • To promote feminist research perspectives.
    • To support and raise the profile of women in the discipline.
    • To support research and teaching of the above within and beyond the academy.
    • To promote gender equality across the discipline of geography through fostering dialogue and engagement with a variety of publics.
  3. Organisational Status
    The GFGRG is a ‘branch’ of the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers (RGS-IBG) and must satisfy the aims and policies of the Society, including Equal Opportunity policy, and the legal and Charity Commission requirements. The Research Group must deliver an Annual Report and statement of accounts to the Society by the 31 January of each calendar year at the very latest demonstrating that these aims and policies are being adhered to.
  4. Statement of Membership
    • Membership of the GFGRG shall be open to all members, including postgraduate members, of the RGS-IBG who elect to join the Research Group, but shall never be less than 40. Membership of the GFGRG will be free of charge for RGS-IBG members.
    • Other interested persons who are not members of the RGS-IBG may join the GFGRG, subject to approval of the Research Group, for an additional fee collected separately by the GFGRG. The GFGRG will maintain their own record of these members, but must also use the RGS-IBG membership lists when undertaking a mailing to members.
  5. Committee
    The business of the GFGRG shall be conducted by a Committee of no fewer than three members. The specified roles within the Committee are as follows: Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Each of these roles shall be undertaken by members of the RGS-IBG elected by the Group. The majority of the Committee must be members of the RGS-IBG.
  6. Terms of Office
    • The offices of Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and other committee members shall be for a period of three years.
    • Honorary officers may stand for a second term of three years but must relinquish their post after six years of office.
    • Retiring honorary officers shall not be eligible for re-election as an Ordinary Member of the Committee if they have served for six years, without first having a one-year break from the Committee.
    • Ordinary Committee members shall be elected for a period of not more than three years. Ordinary Committee members may stand for a second term of three years, but must relinquish their post after the sixth year of office.
    • Postgraduate members shall be elected for a period of one year and shall not normally be eligible for re-election to the Committee for more than three terms of office.
  7. Elections
    Elections to the Committee will be held at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Members will be informed via electronic means 30 days prior to the AGM of all vacancies to be filled. Nominations for Committee membership will be accepted up to the beginning of the AGM. Nominations must be in writing and include the names of the proposer and seconder.
  8. Annual General Meeting
    The Annual General Meeting shall normally be held at the RGS-IBG Annual International Conference in late August/September. The GFGRG must present an Annual Report and Statement of Accounts to the RGS-IBG as requested, and normally by 31 January each year. This is to comply with Charity Commissioner guidelines. The Research Group is expected to manage its funds with due care and for the benefit of the membership of the Research Group.
  9. Extraordinary General Meeting
    An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) may be called by either the Chair and four members (or all other members if fewer than four in total) of the Committee or by any 20 members of the GFGRG. The Secretary must give at least 30 days’ notice of an EGM in writing to all members of the GFGRG.
  10. Changes to the Constitution
    • The constitution can be changed only by a two-thirds majority vote of those present at an Annual General Meeting, provided that the membership has been individually notified of the proposed changes in writing or by email at least 30 days in advance.
    • Research Group constitutions that have been altered by the AGM of the Research Group should then be submitted for approval by the Research and Higher Education Committee of the RGS-IBG at their next meeting.
    • If the Research Group alters its constitution without informing the Research and Higher Education Committee by the time of its next meeting, the Research and Higher Education Committee will view this matter seriously and consider whether the group is contravening the aims of the RGS-IBG.
  11. Activites
    The activities of the Research Group should not contravene the aims of the RGS-IBG. The GFGRG may be dissolved only in accordance with the rules of the RGS-IBG.

Appendix

How the Group’s Aims Are Met

The aims of the Gender and Feminist Geographies Research Group (GFGRG) are pursued through a range of activities designed to support research, teaching, and engagement within and beyond the discipline of geography.

  • Encouraging the study of the geographical implications of gender and intersecting forms of differentiation
    • This aim is supported through activities such as the promotion of gender- and feminist-focused research, the awarding of prizes, including an undergraduate dissertation prize, and the use of digital platforms and communications to raise awareness of gender-related issues within geography.
  • Promoting feminist research perspectives
    • The Group advances feminist research perspectives through the organisation of events, including seminars, workshops, and conference sessions, which provide spaces for the development, discussion, and dissemination of feminist geographical research.
  • Supporting and raising of the profile of women in the discipline
    • This aim is pursued by promoting gender equality within the discipline, including through the recognition of scholarly contributions, engagement with Society-level initiatives, such as nominations for awards, and activities that support visibility and participation across career stages.
  • Supporting research and teaching within and beyond the academy
    • The Group supports research and teaching by facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practice, fostering dialogue across institutional and geographical contexts, and organising or sponsoring events and sessions that connect research and pedagogy.
  • Promoting gender equality across the discipline of geography
    • The Group works to promote gender equality by fostering dialogue and engagement with a range of publics, supporting inclusive practices, and contributing to wider debates on equity and justice within geography.