Australian Federation of University Women

AFUW is one of 66 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 the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). AFUW thus has a direct voice through the IFUW on international matters of critical importance to the protection of human rights and the status of women and girls.

The Queensland organisation (AFUW-Q Inc) is a member of AFUW. In 1920, it was established by women of vision, initiative and courage during the first years of peace after World War I to promote peace through the education of women and girls.

In 1939-40, members formed a War Service Sub-Committee which, in conjunction with the Mothercraft Association, arranged classes in first aid and home nursing. Throughout the War years, AFUW-Q members also served hospitality to graduate refugees, from both Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

In 1965, AFUW-Q organised and hosted an IFUW conference which was attended by over 700 women from all over the world.

In the 1960s, AFUW-Q initiated an academic dress hire service which has resulted in long-term benefits for women graduates and students from all over the world. A Fellowship Fund, now known as the Fellowship Fund Branch Inc. of AFUW-Q (AFUW-Q-FFI) http://www.afuwqfellowships.com/welcome-f.html was established to distribute the funds raised by the service. From the funds raised, since 1972 the organisation has awarded more than 180 Fellowships to graduate women and to women re-entering tertiary study. For many years now, each year AFUW-Q has awarded one (1) three-year Fellowship valued at over A$ 21 000 per year for each of its three years, and six (6) one-year Fellowships, also valued at more than A$ 21 000.

Because, the Fellowships are so generous, they have become very popular with the result that more applications were received than members could examine. Thus, some years ago, applicants must either have studied at a Queensland University or to have an approved course of study at a Queensland university. Full List of recipients can be viewed at www.afuwqfellowships.com/recipients

One 2007 Fellowship winner is writing the history of AFUW-Q as her Masters degree at The University of Queensland. When completed, a summary of it will be available on this site.

*** Join now and your membership will be current until 30 June 2009. Go to the Membership page to join the AFUW-Q.

Branches

AFUW-Q has active Branches on the:

Darling Downs Contact

the Gold Coast Contact

the Sunshine Coast Contact View the Website

and for the the Fellowship Fund Inc Contact View the Website

AFUW-Q also offers Country Membership for those members living in other areas as well as Interstate and International Membership.

Brochure

For more information about AFUW-Q, download the 2 page Brochure Print it out & fold it into 3.

Bursaries/Fellowships

AFUW-Q places priority on providing financial assistance for women to undertake post-graduate university studies in Australia and overseas. Applications for the next Fellowships for study in the 2009- 2010 year close 30 June 2009. To be eligible for a Fellowship, applicants must be graduates of a Queensland institution, or are intending to study at a Queensland institution.

Branches also provide bursaries for women undertaking undergraduate studies at universities in their area. For more information on the bursaries and awards currently available through AFUW-Q, go to the Fellowship Fund page or contact the relevant Branch.

The national organisation works through a Federal Council and its Executive. There is a Triennial Conference Of Members a Federal Council, State/Territory Member Associations, Local Branch And Group Associations and Standing Committees.

Program

Local, State/Territory and National activities focus on the IFUW Study and Action Programme, and priorities for Australian women identified in the Government National Agenda for Women. These include:

employment and economic security
leadership in private and public life
health and welfare
women and the law

Members enjoy fellowship and intellectual stimulation through

Social activities
Guest speaker meetings
Seminars/workshops on topical issues
Triennial conference of members which provide an important public function for members to come together.

Conferences

The national body, AFUW, holds a Conference once every three years. The most recent one was held in Canberra 21-24 April 2006. For more details 33rd Triennial AFUW Conference

The next AFUW Conference will be held in Sydney in October 2009 http://www.afuwnsw.org.au/afuwconf2009.php

The international body, IFUW, also holds a Conference once every three years. One was held recently in Manchester, UK, 10-16 August 2007. Read about it IFUW 29th Triennial Conference The next IFUW Conference will be held in Mexico in 2010.

Annual General Meetings

Annual General Meetings are held in September, each year.

Membership

To join AFUW-Q Inc. for a printable application form or for a copy which can be filled in and submitted electronically.*

** Join now for membership which will be valid until 30 June 2010

**** When you have completed the form, please post it with payment, or confirmation number if you paid by direct debit, to the AFUW-Q address on the form.

The Committee meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the months of February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November. It considers applications for membership received by the Monday prior to each meeting.

If you are already a member, to renew your membership When you have completed the form, please post it with payment, or confirmation number if you paid by direct debit, to the AFUW-Q address on the form.

This page was last modified on 17 June 2009