Australian Federation of Graduate Women Inc.

AFGW Inc. is one of 62 member nations of the International Federation of University Women (IFUW), which has consultative status with the United Nations and its specialised agencies, including UNESCO and ECOSOC. AFGW thus has a voice through IFUW on international matters of critical importance to the protection of human rights and the status of women and girls. Members enjoy fellowship and intellectual stimulation by sharing news and views with the international community through the IFUW Triennial Conference and the IFUW Networks (Connections, Advocacy and Young Members) and On line Discussion Forums. The IFUW Pacific Graduate Women’s Network (PGWNet) gives AFGW members a special connection to other Pacific nations such as: Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga.

In December 2009 the Australian Federation of University Women changed its name to become the Australian Federation of Graduate Women (AFGW). This change, like the changes to international membership made at the 2007 IFUW Triennial Conference in Manchester, better reflects a globally changing high education sector. Now graduates from all Institutions of Higher Education, with a degree or the equivalent from any university or institution of tertiary education in the world can join us.

Alliances AFGW has a national voice on women’s affairs both independently and through its membership of Security4Women (eS4W) and Equality Rights Alliance (ERA) two of six National Women’s National Women’s Alliances funded for three years from 2010 to actively engaging with the  Australian Government, through the Office for Women on policy issues as part of a better more informed and representative dialogue between women and government.

Working Mission Statement

Australian Federation of Graduate Women is the national voice of graduate women working for the advancement and well-being of women and girls through education.

Working Vision Statement

AFGW members view education as essential for:

* Empowering Women

* Reducing Poverty

* Improving Health

* Supporting Human Rights

* Maintaining Human Security

* Building Peace.

Working Object Statement:

AFGW will unite graduate women in Australia to work in friendship, cooperation and understanding with each other and the IFUW network of sister graduates worldwide to:

* Promote equitable educational opportunities and lifelong learning.

* Improve the status and wellbeing of women and girls.

* Encourage women and girls to be active leaders and decision-makers in all spheres of public and private life.

* Inspire and support women graduates to put their education and professional training to the service of the local, national and international community.

* Promote the Vision of AFGW amongst all people, irrespective of their gender, age, race, nationality, religion, political opinion, gender, sexual orientation or other status.

 Constitution

A copy of the CONSTITUTION that governs the AFGW can be read here AFGW Constitution