On Monday 16 May 2022, the NCW Influence and Decision-Making Action Hub hosted an online event to hear what is important to young women and give them a chance to share their perspectives, thoughts, barriers and interests.

This initial kōrero focused on getting to know other young women from across NCW and understanding any barriers they, or others they know, face to being involved in NCW -- both to membership in general and to taking on leadership positions. By "young women," the organisers meant anyone who identifies this way. Generally for those under 35 years of age, but the organisers admitted they knew "age can be just a number."

The conversation touched on a range of ideas, such as not relating to the issues NCW focuses on, the perception of NCW as a conversative organisation, and the disproportionate burden borne by members who become the go-to voice for the group they represent.

The barriers identified, along with suggestions for how we can make NCW more accessible and appealing to young women, will be discussed by the Influence and Decision-Making Action Hub, and shared with NCW Local Branches then presented to the Board.

If you have any thoughts you’d like to share, please email them to [email protected].

To read more articles from The Circular (issue 635) click on the tag below.