About us

We are a space to expand your mind, to be a champion for women, and to connect.

Our story

Graduate Women New Zealand was formed in 1921. Our purpose is to empower women through education. Through our relationship with Graduate Women International we are consultants to the United Nations and its agencies.

  • Founded in 1921

    We were founded in 1921

     

  • GWNZ_members_02

     By the 1980s we had over 2,000 members 

  • gwnz-united-nations_02

    We are advocates at the United Nations

  • Enabling access to education (scholarships)

    Over $1M in scholarship grants since 2010

What we do

Think

We believe in the power of education. That’s why we support women in their pursuit of knowledge.

We offer:

  • Access to scholarships
  • Opportunity to develop your leadership, decision making and governance skills
  • Expand your mind and horizons. Access opportunities for life-long learning.

Act

Act We are champions for women’s rights. The work we do is an influential force for positive change.

We offer:

  • Raise your awareness and understanding of issues impacting women
  • Join other women to advocate for women’s right to education
  • Be an active citizen – help develop initiatives that support women.

Connect

We provide a platform for graduate women to share ideas, information and broaden their network.

We offer:

  • Access to mentors who can help you grow and achieve your goals
  • Access to local, national and international events
  • Access to the global Graduate Women network
  • The opportunity to grow your network and collaborate with other women.

How we work together

Graduate Women Branch Charitable Trusts
Graduate Women New Zealand Charitable Trust
Regional branches

Branches and the Independent Members Network undertake advocacy projects and connect women within their local community. Charitable Trusts are social enterprises associated with each branch.

Graduate Women New Zealand

GWNZ is the national body which provides leadership and the space for branches to grow and flourish. GWNZ Charitable Trust provides scholarships and awards for tertiary studies. These are funded by GWNZ Branches and associated charitable trusts.

GWNZ is affiliated to Graduate Women International (GWI). GWI is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) of over 150,000 women university graduates from 78 national federations and association worldwide. It has consultative status with the United Nations.

Advocacy for women and their access to education. Our work is both global and national in reach.

A global network

Graduate Women New Zealand are part of a global network of like minded academics.