The Women’s & Gender Research Network NRW comprises more than 400 academics working in the field of women’s and gender research at 40 universities and seven research institutes in the
federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia (State: 31.12.2021). The Network, which is funded by the Ministry of Science of North Rhine-Westphalia, was founded in 1986 by a group of dedicated female academics and the then Minister of Science, Anke Brunn. It was born out of the criticism voiced by academia and politics concerning gender inequalities and women’s neglected contributions to science, culture and society. The Network continues to expand its reach and interdisciplinary exchange in the field of women’s and gender research, and is committed to gender-equitable science. Forerunner of the network is the "Arbeitskreis Wissenschaftlerinnen von NRW" (Working Group of Women Scientists in North Rhine-Westphalia), founded in the early 1980s, when women scientists exchanged their experiences in higher education. Integrated into the West German women's movement, they articulated first demands for the advancement of women and the promotion of women's research. Following the differentiation of women's research towards gender research the "Netzwerk Frauenforschung NRW" was renamed "Netzwerk Frauen- und Geschlechterforschung NRW" in fall 2010.