WOMENS POLITICS IN EUROPE IN THE 1990S

This discussion paper raises questions about women's politics in terms of women organizing around key issues in Europe' today. How to determine where 'Europe' is historically, culturally, politically is itself being problematized. Three issues: differences and similarities in European women's politics, women's identities and racism, and the 'new' Europe are considered. Different emphases and analyses are being created within Europe, and women in former' state socialist' countries are highlighting some misconceptions in terms of their own lived realities. Without exception racism is rising across all areas, including the integrating 12 members of the EC and the dis/integrating central and eastern European countries. In conclusion, aspects of coalition politics and dealing with conflict are considered. Women's resistance to racism and celebration of the strength of difference amongst women internationally is viewed as vital in making our voices heard.