About Women’s Studies and Research

The Association “Women’s Studies and Research” (WSR) is a non-partisan, independent association which studies, researches, and improves social status of women.

The Director of the Association: Dr. Margareta Bašaragin

ASSOCIATION ”WOMEN’S STUDIES AND RESEARCH”

Novi Sad (1997 - 2020)

The long-standing work of the Association “Women’s Studies and Research” (WSR) in Novi Sad (1997-2020) provides an opportunity to emphasize the continuity of efforts directed towards establishing and advancing gender equality in Vojvodina. We acknowledge the contributions of our predecessors – compassionate, courageous, insightful, and persistent women who have shaped the present. It is our responsibility to preserve their legacy and to commemorate them in our time, with the understanding that future generations will appreciate these endeavors. Continuity, both within society and within the women’s movement, represents an important value, and it is essential to maintain and further develop this tradition of perseverance.

We founded WSR in 1997 as a higher education program about women and for women (and men). At that time, it was conceived as an alternative academic program. We contributed to advancing the position of women in society by succeeding in integrating this alternative higher education program on and for women into the regular system of higher education at the University of Novi Sad, within the ACIMSI Center for Gender Studies (since the academic year 2004/2005).

Within the WSR, approximately 1,000 women completed a two-year program, and 150 women and 3 men were awarded certificates. The WSR has been, and continues to be, a space for the exchange of new ideas, innovative initiatives, and accomplishments. Many women who attended our programs are today active in institutions and organizations where such knowledge can be put into practice. The WSR has become a cornerstone of the network of women’s organizations in Novi Sad, and we belong to the broader network of women’s studies programs in the country. The WSRr has served as an incubator of ideas on equality and difference, and as a carefully designed program of change aimed at advancing civil society. In this regard, we have continued much of the work undertaken by our predecessors over the past two centuries. Today, women have the opportunity to learn about women of the past—an important form of continuity with our foremothers that had not existed before.

What began as an alternative, interdisciplinary higher education program, initiated as a civic women’s initiative, was institutionalized at the University after ten years—thereby, only seemingly, fulfilling the Association’s mission. At the beginning of 2020, this opportunity at the University of Novi Sad was temporarily suspended, and we are once again faced with the need for active advancement of women’s higher education in the context of new political and academic conditions.

The educational program is only one part of the activities at the WSR. What distinguishes it from other women’s studies programs in the country is the research work conducted through projects such as Life Stories of Women in Vojvodina and Feminist Theology. Moreover, part of the work carried out within the project Notable Women of Novi Sad has been used to support a variety of individual activities. The results of these projects have been published in book form.

Prof. Emerita dr Svenka Savić

Subotica (2020-today)

The Women’s Studies and Research (WSR) represents an interdisciplinary alternative higher education program that integrates teaching, research, publishing, and documentation on women into a unique program for women (and men). 

Its primary goal is to improve the position of women from various national communities in Vojvodina, with particular emphasis on groups with less social power.

To date, the WSR encompasses four main programs: Educational, Research, Publishing, and Documentation. The Research program includes long-term projects such as Life stories of women from Vojvodina, Notable women (in Novi Sad), Feminist theology, Feminist linguistics, School of Romology, Gender and Dance and many other short-term projects. Scientific results have been collected and presented to the public in the form of books – 53 in total during the course of 25 years of work (1997-2024). Documentation center includes audio and printed materials (books, newspaper articles, transcripts, audio recordings etc.) which, together with publications, make up the basis of educational work.

In February 2020, the WSR established a branch in Subotica as a form of collaboration within the alternative higher education and research program on and for women. The branch is directed by Dr. Margareta Bašaragin. 

In January 2025, the WSR Assembly decided to move the headquarters to Subotica and appoint Margareta Bašaragin as the legal representative. This measure has ensured the continuity of the WSR’s existence.

Dr. Margareta Bašaragin

WORK PRINCIPLES AND VALUES OF WOMEN’S STUDIES AND RESEARCH

How we work and what we advocate?

1. Respect of human rights

   The WSR acknowledges the inherent dignity of every individual and supports volatile individuals and communities in their efforts to fight for the future worthy of women and men and the society where human rights are respected, where there is no discrimination, where there is equality and equal individual and social opportunities for all, with the respect of their differences.

2. Gender Equality

   The WSR advocates for equal rights and opportunities for women and men, viewing this as a prerequisite for cultural, political, economic, social, and all other forms of community progress.

3. Use of Gender-Sensitive Language

4. Development of Solidarity and Sisterhood

   The WSR promotes solidarity and social justice, ensuring that those at risk of poverty or social exclusion have greater participation in decision-making processes affecting their lives, the improvement of living standards, and the common good. Solidarity, mutual support, and inclusion are seen as essential for overcoming social challenges and ensuring a dignified life for all.

5. Contribution to Women’s History and History for Women

6. Partnership, Participation, and Teamwork

   The WSR is committed to ongoing dialogue and partnership, fostering the inclusion and connection of women’s organizations and all relevant stakeholders across all areas of its work. In line with this principle, the WSR supports the active participation of all citizens in decision-making processes that affect their lives and the life of their community. The WSR believes that the development of a stable and cohesive society results from inclusive and participatory processes, person-centered approaches, and a focus on gender issues, networking, and the construction of civil society.

7. Intercultural Dialogue

   The WSR promotes the establishment of dynamic and interactive relationships among groups from different cultural backgrounds and encourages open and dignified exchanges of ideas among individuals and groups of diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, and linguistic heritage, based on mutual understanding and respect.

8. Transparency, Responsibility, and Work Efficiency

   In all aspects of its activities, the WSR strives to uphold the highest standards of effectiveness, quality, flexibility, transparency, and openness, as well as responsibility and ethical conduct towards all stakeholders. The WSR achieves this through fair and rational allocation and use of available resources, continuous investment in its development, and a commitment to learning and adapting in response to the demands of its environment.

9. Sustainable Development

   The WSR promotes the establishment of a balance among social, economic, technological, and ecological factors, with the aim of preserving the planet’s wealth and resources for future generations.