Making meaning of women's networks: a community of practice framework

Abstract

Women’s lives are multilayered through involvement in education, employment, family, community and everything, thus involving women in a number of community groups, networks or communities of practice. These groups exist in a myriad of contexts and are often a key component of the community and professional life of women. Some of these groups have a formal business structure, while others are more informal, with membership changing as the group focus ebbs and flows. This paper will investigate the factors that distinguish a community of practice from more informal women’s groups, and identify how community of practice structures and processes can be used to achieve the aims and objectives of women’s groups. Women’s networks are constructed when women interact in informal or organisational settings. Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern, a set of problems, or a passion about a topic, and who deepen their knowledge and expertise in this area by interacting on an ongoing basis. Over time, they develop a unique perspective on their topic as well as a body of common knowledge, practices, and approaches. They develop personal relationships, established ways of interacting, and may even develop a common sense of identity. The conference presentation will provide a brief overview of the distinguishing features of networks and communities of practice and an opportunity for the audience to participate in the exploration of their existence in women’s networks, and how community of practice structures and processes can be used to enhance such networks.