About Graduate Women Victoria

Founded 1920

Our association was founded in 1920 as an association of women graduates  who were inspired by the foundation of the International Federation of University Women earlier in the same year.  AFUW Victoria joined associations of women graduates in other states to form the Australian Federation of University Women, now known as the Australian Federation of Graduate Women.  They shared a common goal of promoting understanding and friendship amongst university women of the world, irrespective of their race, nationality, religion or political opinions.  They wished to encourage women to apply their knowledge and skills to the problems arising at all levels of public life and to encourage their participation in the solving of these problems.

We aim to promote:

• the right of women and girls to education in order to reach their full potential; 

• education as a means of influencing and benefiting society; 

• the recognition and protection of human rights; 

• peace, justice and equality; and 

• the development of international understanding, co-operation and friendship.

To contribute to these goals, Graduate Women Victoria aims to: 

• conduct a scholarship program and other educational activities for women;

• advocate for the protection and extension of women's rights and human rights generally in the public arena;

• provide opportunities for graduate women to share knowledge and interests; and

• co-operate with other organisations with similar aims.

AFGW and IFUW

Our national voice is the Australian Federation of Graduate Women  (AFGW), originally founded in 1922 as the Australian Federation of University Women,  to promote the advancement of women worldwide and their equality of opportunity through initiatives in education, friendship and peace.

Our international voice is the International Federation of University Women, an international network linking women graduates from all cultures, all fields of study, all professions and all generations.

Activities

Graduate Women Victoria assists the careers of Victorian postgraduate and undergraduate students through its annual awards of scholarships and bursaries. These awards are made possible by the generosity of benefactors and members.  The funds are held in trust by the  Australian Communities Foundation.

Donations are welcome.  Please use the downloadable form:

ACF donation form

Scholarship Presentation Day, open to all members and the general public, is the highlight of our year.

 Members of Graduate Women Victoria are also able to participate in advocacy activities to support the advancement of women.  The national federation is involved in cooperative activities with other women’s organisations.  Newsletters are produced to keep members informed and AFGW produces the journal Graduate Women once a year.  Members also have the opportunity to meet at social activities.