In 1976, Sybil Weir from San Jose State University called an official meeting for people interested in creating plans for a national organization.

[14] In 1979, after attending the conference, Nupur Chaudhuri wrote an article A Third World Woman's View of the Convention, outlining her negative experiences.

She criticizes NWSA for the disconnect between their goals and actions by stating their definition of feminism fails at being inclusive of all women.

[5] Smith's work within the CRC argues not to separate race from class or sexual oppression because they are experienced simultaneously.

"[6] Led by feminists like Guy-Sheftall, NWSA has worked to center intersectionality in its institutional practices and leadership structure with the support of a Ford Foundation grant.

This birthed the Lesbian Women's Caucus which sought to address issues of homophobia from within the organization and the media.

[20] In 2015, the NWSA membership voted to "back the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement against Israel" along with other major academic organizations.

[21][22] In response to critiques of antisemitism following their support of member Jasbir K. Puar, NWSA responded by stating the organization holds firm in their conviction.

[23] NWSA offers individual annual memberships with cost bands based on employment, income, and student status.

Individuals members can find colleagues in the member directory, present at the annual conference, receive reduced registration rates, apply for scholarships and conference grants, apply for NWSA awards and prizes, and participate in the discussion forums.

The conference focused on sub themes such as “the sacred and profane”, “border and margins”, “futures of the feminist past”, and “body politics”.