Graduate Women New Zealand (GWNZ) is pleased with the diverse representation among this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List, and encouraged by the recognition New Zealand’s women are receiving.

As an organisation dedicated to empowering women and girls through education, with branches throughout New Zealand we note the wide range of educators and education advocates receiving honours this year, and add our congratulations.

For example, Emeritus Professor Charmian O'Connor's award recognises the work of the Kate Edgar Trust in Auckland – work that is undertaken by GWNZ and its branches across New Zealand. Funds raised by GWNZ from hiring out academic regalia during graduations enable us to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in scholarships and awards to women and community groups throughout New Zealand. We also support our international arm, Graduate Women International in its efforts to get all women in the world at least a primary education; and with representation at the UN we use our voice for all women, at all levels of the education.

We are delighted that the Federation of University Women (former name of Graduate Women) fellowship for postdoctoral study in London in 1963 has supported women such as Charmian in her illustrious career, and we join her voice in calling for educational equality for all women and girls.

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