Frequently Asked Questions
What is NZWIM’s vision?
We aim to promote the voice of women, wāhine, trans and non binary doctors in Aotearoa NZ via advocacy and strong leadership. Our doctors are innovators and entrepreneurs. They are leaders and advocates, campaigning for better outcomes for patients and their whānau.
By bringing this diverse group of medical women together we aim to enable and promote the achievements of individual members in order to inspire and challenge others among us. In this way women in medicine can thrive in all areas, both personal and professional.
Our goals are:
Te Tiaki Whaiaro - self care : peer support, networking and advice in order to support the health and wellbeing of our workforce
Te Tōkeke - equity : to advocate for equitable access to services and health outcomes, particularly in the areas of women’s and children’s health, and to support our chosen charities in these areas
Whakahāngai - to implement , update : to promote and develop strong leadership in medicine ; to ensure the cultural safety of our diverse workforce and to uphold the values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Te Wā Tākaro - to play : to provide opportunities to meet, socialise and share ideas
Where do my membership fees go?
We are a not for profit charitable organisation supported entirely by our membership and the generosity of sponsors.
Your membership helps support our kaupapa via helping meet the costs of developing and running our website, meeting our legal & financial obligations as a charitable organisation, paying for the administration and project work required to run the organisation, and subsidising the cost of face to face meetings. All the doctors involved in NZWIM give their time and energy voluntarily, but obviously we can’t ask the same of our admin staff!
Is a gendered organisation necessary in the 21st century?
We welcome all individuals who identify as women, wāhine, trans and non binary doctors in Aotearoa.
Despite women now making up the majority of medical students, and being over represented in many specialities such as obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics and general practice, huge disparities in pay and conditions exist. Increasingly, female doctors are leaving the medical profession due to burnout and inability to balance commitments at home and at work.
As a collective voice, we can raise concerns effectively in a ‘safe space’.
How can I get involved?
We are regularly asked to meet with leaders from Te Whatu Ora Health NZ and the Ministry of Health, to input into submissions and to join forces with other groups advocating for change.
By becoming a member you will have the opportunity to join one of our committees, be part of our ‘knowledge hive’ of expertise, help with event organisation or add your voice to our submissions.