The National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ) works toward a gender equal New Zealand. Established by suffragists in 1896, we work for gender equality across the political, social and economic sectors. We have around 290 member organisations, 260 individual members and 21 branches around the country. Our activity is diverse. We make a difference by representing women’s voices and influencing key decisions and issues through research, discussions and submissions. We encourage and educate people on the need for action and what they can do. Locally, our branches make a difference for women in their communities through projects, events and advocacy. Globally, we assess and report on New Zealand’s progress toward meeting international agreements on women and girls, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. We support member organisations in the work they do through providing information, connecting them with others who can help and representing their activities in our advocacy.