The BPS Psychology of Women Section (POWs) – Power to change?

Abstract

This paper plots the development of the BPS Psychology of Women Section (POWs) from its inception to the recent adoption of the new title of Psychology of Women and Equalities Section. Alongside this I reflect upon my own passage through my professional career in psychology, considering the interplay of my reflections as a ‘woman in psychology’ with the aims and ambitions of POWs. I set out four main endeavours; researching the things we are interested in, in the ways we wish to, finding a place in mainstream psychology and having an impact. I consider how well these aims have been achieved both from my personal perspective but also from the viewpoint of the section, and critically evaluate if POWs has, and will have, the power to change.