Ōtākou | Graduate Women Otago

Click here to be directed to our Graduate Women Otago website

Graduate Women Otago (GWO) is proudly the oldest federation member of Graduate Women New Zealand. GWO was founded in May 1921 by Professor Helen Rawson and other university women in the aftermath of World War I for the purpose of promoting international peace and understanding, and advocating for women's educational opportunities and careers. 

We are a dynamic branch focussed on elevating the status of women and empowering our future leaders via improving access to education, providing grant funding, and our advocacy work in New Zealand and internationally. 

Graduate Women Otago hosts regular meetings every fourth Thursday of the Month (February to April and June to November) with special guest speakers, we provide opportunities for New and Young Members to network with existing and long standing GWO members. We host ‘fun’ and ‘interesting’ events, produce a monthly newsletter plus we provide funding grants and awards for educational purposes and special projects in the community. Our funds are raised via hiring out academic dress at the University of Otago. 

Our membership consists of Young Members, Post Graduate and Under Graduates as well as Country (outside of Dunedin) and Seniors.  

Check out our website www.gwotago.co.nz for information regarding our GWO meeting dates and locations, find out how to become involved in GWO's exciting work, and join GWO as a member and apply for grant and award funding.

We look forward to you joining our GWO team! 

President Graduate Women Otago 

(Image Credit: GWO 2025 International Women's Day Breakfast with Guest Speaker Anna Grimaldi NZ 2025 Para Athlete of the Year)