IAWM Conference 2025 Meran
From 24 to 29 August 2025, the city of Merano, Italy – birthplace of the International Association of Women’s Museums (IAWM) – once again became the center of a global movement. Hosting the IAWM Conference and General Assembly, the historic setting provided a meaningful backdrop for a gathering dedicated to feminist practice, collaboration, and institutional change.
Held at the Women’s Museum Merano, where the network itself was first established, the 2025 conference was more than a professional meeting – it was a reaffirmation of shared values and a forward-looking exploration of how women’s and gender museums can respond to today’s most pressing challenges.
A Theme Rooted in Urgency and Resistance
The central theme of the 2025 conference, “Feminist Strategies of Resistance in Women’s and Gender Museums,” set the tone for a dynamic and critical exchange.
Participants from around the world came together to examine how museums can act not only as spaces of preservation, but also as agents of resistance – particularly in response to gender-based violence, political repression, and structural inequality. This focus was further deepened through the pre-conference workshop, “Cartographies of Interruption and Influence,” which explored feminist educational and institutional strategies in confronting violence across different global contexts.
The discussions highlighted a key message: museums are not neutral spaces. They have the power – and responsibility – to challenge dominant narratives and create platforms for marginalized voices.
A Week of Exchange, Learning, and Collaboration
The conference unfolded as a multi-layered program combining workshops, presentations, and collaborative sessions. Over several days, participants engaged in both theoretical discussions and practical exchanges, sharing experiences from their institutions and regions.
Workshops encouraged active participation and collective knowledge-building, allowing attendees to explore how feminist strategies can be implemented in exhibitions, education programs, and institutional structures. This spirit of collaboration extended beyond formal sessions. Informal conversations, networking moments, and shared experiences reinforced the sense of a truly global community – one united by a commitment to gender equality and cultural transformation.
Connecting Local Impact with Global Perspectives
A particularly meaningful aspect of the conference was its connection to the local context of Merano. Participants had the opportunity to engage with local stakeholders, including city representatives, highlighting the tangible impact of women’s museums on public discourse and policy.
During a meeting with the city’s leadership, the importance of the Women’s Museum Merano in shaping gender awareness at the political level was emphasized. The museum’s influence demonstrates how cultural institutions can contribute to broader societal change, inspiring both local and international participants.
At the same time, the conference maintained a strong global perspective. Contributions from members across continents underscored the diversity of challenges and approaches within the network, while also revealing shared concerns and strategies.
Exhibitions and Storytelling Beyond Borders
Complementing the conference program was a special poster exhibition showcasing initiatives from women’s museums worldwide. This visual component brought the network’s diversity to life, presenting stories, projects, and movements from different cultural contexts.
Among the highlights were contributions reflecting feminist struggles and achievements across regions, reinforcing the idea that women’s museums serve as both cultural archives and active participants in contemporary debates.
These exhibitions not only enriched the conference experience but also demonstrated the power of storytelling as a tool for connection and advocacy.
Governance, Growth and the Future of IAWM
The final days of the gathering were dedicated to the IAWM General Assembly – an essential moment for reflection, decision-making, and future planning. Key outcomes included the election of a new international board, representing diverse regions and perspectives. This leadership transition reflects IAWM’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and global representation.
In addition, members engaged in discussions on organizational structures and governance, leading to important developments such as the establishment of a new Election Committee. These steps aim to ensure transparency, equity, and active participation across the network.
Why the 2025 Conference Matters
The IAWM Conference 2025 was not only a milestone event – it was a powerful reminder of the role museums can play in shaping more just and inclusive societies.
At a time when gender equality remains contested in many parts of the world, the gathering in Merano demonstrated the strength of collective action. By bringing together diverse voices, sharing knowledge, and building strategies for resistance, the conference reinforced the importance of solidarity across borders.
Ultimately, the 2025 conference reaffirmed IAWM’s mission: to connect, support, and amplify women’s and gender museums worldwide. And in doing so, it highlighted a simple but transformative idea – when we change the stories we tell, we change the world we live in.