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The New Zealand Federation of Graduate Women (NZFGW) is a non-profit,
charitable non-government organisation (NGO) working locally, nationally,
and internationally to improve the status of women and girls, to promote
lifelong education, and to enable graduate women to use their expertise
to effect positive change. We number approximately 1500 throughout New
Zealand, in 15 branches, each with its own activities. In the main centres,
our branches hire academic regalia for graduation ceremonies, to raise
funds for our generous scholarships, grants, and awards.
Mission
To support and pursue the mission of IFUW. To advocate for women at the
local, regional, and international level. To ensure that women and girls
receive the necessary education and opportunities to achieve their full
potential.
Activities
- Scholarships, grants, and awards for women undertaking retraining/"second-chance"
education, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and research;
- Lobbying and submissions to the parliamentary process;
- Meetings with speakers on current issues;
- Social activities and friendship;
- Opportunities for networking, sharing of information and resources,
and exchange of ideas;
- Seminars and workshops;
- National conferences;
- Support for women's projects in developing nations;
- Opportunities to develop leadership and NGO governance skills;
- Network of links to national and international women's organisations
and activities;
- Biannual magazine of topical commentary
and members' achievements.
What makes us different from other women's
organisations?
Here's what our members say…
- We're tertiary degree graduates, from a variety of academic fields.
We aim to use the benefits of our education in service of other women
and our communities.
- We encourage and support girls and women to undertake quality training
and higher education, and we provide scholarships, grants, and awards
to enable access.
- We advocate and lobby for women and girls in New Zealand and elsewhere.
We aim to provide an informed voice in the community on education, health,
social, peace, justice, environmental, and other public issues. We're
non-partisan (independent of political parties). We aim to advance women's
social and economic aspirations.
- We're part of an international network of graduate women, the International
Federation of University Women, working for women and girls worldwide.
We network locally with tertiary institutions and other women's organisations.
We provide representatives and fulfill leadership roles within the National
Council of Women and the United Nations Association.
- We value education and scholarship for its own worth, not only in
pursuit of vocational goals. We believe that education empowers women,
and raises quality of life for themselves and their families. We believe
that education encourages self-reliance, and enables a richer and fuller
life experience. We have gained confidence from setting academic goals
and achieving them. We believe in life-long learning, and we're passionate
about developing potential through education, even in the face of constraints
such as financial, disability, and age.
- We affirm sound research as the basis of empowering knowledge. We
question assumptions. We have respect and tolerance for others, and
we listen to other viewpoints.
- Our membership covers all age ranges. Our older members are role models
and a source of invaluable knowledge. Many were pioneers in their field.We
gain inspiration, motivation, and enlightenment from the experience
of other women - women who are leaders in their fields and those still
pioneering new domains.
- We provide mutual support and friendship, and new learning opportunities.
We provide an environment for like-minded graduates to meet and socialise
and consider topics of interest in an atmosphere of goodwill. We aim
to keep up with international standards in the world of academic women,
and to help women maintain a keen interest in public issues and community
concerns.
History
The New Zealand Federation of Graduate Women (NZFGW) was formed in 1922.
Formerly the New Zealand Federation of University Women, the name was
changed in 2000 to reflect the fact that New Zealand polytechnics, colleges
of education, and wananga now also award degrees.
NZFGW is affiliated to the International Federation of University Women
(IFUW).
 IFUW
was established in 1919 after the First World War, in the hope that by
joining together to promote international peace, co-operation, understanding,
and friendship, educated women of the world might assist in averting future
disastrous conflicts. Subsequently, IFUW's mission has broadened to support
education and equality for women and girls, the recognition and protection
of human rights, promotion of social justice and equality, and lifelong
education to influence society in beneficial ways. IFUW has consultative
status at the United Nations and its specialised agencies, such as:
Project Five-O involves IFUW in the combined effort of 5 international
women's organisations - the other 4 being Zonta,
Soroptimists,
Business and Professional
Women, and the International
Council of Women - to initiate and advocate for women's education
and development at the international level, and to support projects in
developing nations.
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