Reports from CAIP Affiliates:
The Russian Association for the Support of Women in Science and the Humanities

The Russian Association for the Support of Women in Science and the Humanities (ASWISH) was organized in 1997. The main goal of ASWISH is to achieve equity and full participation for women in all aspects of science and education.

To fulfill this goal, ASWISH developed a network of women scientists; and provides information for younger women and girls interested in science. The organization has 150 members and local chapters in Russia: Novosibirsk, St. Petersburg, Pushcino-on-Oka, Vladivostok, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Apatity.

To facilitate access to new information technology and to multi-channel funding in Russia, ASWISH has held training programs on managing grants; using the Internet; interviewing skills, etc. Last year, ASWISH prepared, published and distributed the textbook "How to write a grant proposal". Recently, Dr. Markusova, ASWISH chairwoman, was invited to participate in the European conference "Enlarging Women in Science". She presented the report "Female Scientists Activity in post-soviet Russia".

ASWISH continues to develop regional branches and strengthens the network among female researchers. In 2002, a joint workshop was held in Sarov (closed city).

ASWISH works closely with other women organizations such as "Women in Mathematics", "Information Center of the Independent Women Forum" and American Women Organization (AWO) in Moscow. On November 1, 2004, a charity craft fair was coorganized by ASWISH members. Monies received were donated to the Children Pediatric Oncology Hospital in Moscow.