Women's Networks and the European Union: Towards an Inclusive Approach?

This article falls into two parts: the application of policy network analysis (PNA) to UK women's networking activities; and exploration of the extent to which these activities are focused upon the European Union (EU) policy process. Evidence from three sources ‐ trades union and local government equality officers, and women's voluntary organizations ‐ demonstrates that women's networking is widespread, intense, politically oriented and inclusive. However, the concepts of PNA are found to exclude much of women's political activity and are here adapted to produce a more inclusive model. In terms of their focus, women's networks remain overwhelmingly oriented toward the UK policy process even where issues fall within EU competence. Impediments to more effective EU‐focused networking are discussed.