Key Summary
- NAWP marks 120 years of supporting women pharmacists and tackling workplace inequality
- Now a part of PDA, NAWP promotes mentorship, education, and inclusion
- Membership is open to all, with free access for students and trainees
The National Association of Women Pharmacists (NAWP) turns 120 this year and it has a history of supporting women pharmacists and fighting for gender equality in the workplace.
In 1905, a handful of women pharmacists gathered in London to fight for equality and opportunity in the field of pharmacy.
Their goal was to form an association pioneered the wellbeing of generations of female pharmacists.
NAWP has always taken up many contemporary issues and have many firsts to their credit.
The second president of NAWP, Margaret E Buchanan, became the first-ever woman to be in the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society in 1918.
The first ‘Women in Pharmacy School’ was held in Manchester, followed by the introduction of ‘Women in Pharmacy’ pack to study and understand the career and job opportunities for female pharmacists in 1991.
The ‘Careers in Pharmacy’ initiative came in to being in 1998, followed by a mentoring scheme to support peers in 1999.
In April 2019, NAWP decided to dissolve the group after 114 years. However, a few months later in October, 2019, the Pharmacy Defence Organisation (PDA) decided to take on NAWP as its first equality, diversity, and inclusion network.
In January 2020, NAWP became a part of the PDA’s network, and came to be known as the PDA NAWP Network, which paved the way for three other PDA EDI Networks (PDA BAME, PDA Ability, and PDA LGBT+).
After joining the PDA, NAWP has continued its work to support women pharmacists.
“NAWP plays a vital role in promoting gender equity and professional development within the pharmacy profession. By offering mentorship, advocacy, and educational opportunities, NAWP empowers women pharmacists to advance their careers, overcome systemic barriers, and lead with confidence,” said Ayah Abbas, immediate ex-president of PDA NAWP
