From 1 January 2020, NAWP began a new chapter as a network of the PDA. The PDA NAWP Network allows all women pharmacists to come together to proactively address and campaign around gender discrimination and its causes and consequences.
To celebrate 120 years of NAWP, the PDA highlights the network’s key achievements over the years and looks ahead at the next steps of the network.
Why NAWP was formed
In 1905, a group of women pharmacists met in London to form an association that would affect the lives of many generations of pharmacists. At that time, there were only a handful of women pharmacists, but many of these were determined and resourceful and had already achieved academic and professional success. The association was formed to promote organised action to improve the opportunities and conditions of employment for all women in pharmacy.
NAWP’s key achievements over the years
Since 1905, NAWP has focused on many contemporary issues and achieved many ‘firsts for pharmacy.’
1918 – Margaret E. Buchanan, the 2nd President of NAWP, became the first woman to serve on the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society.
1967 – First ‘Women in Pharmacy School’ held in Manchester.
1991 – ‘Women in Pharmacy’ pack to examine career and employment opportunities for pharmacists. 1998 becomes ‘Careers in Pharmacy’.
1999 – Launch of mentoring scheme to support peers.
2007 – Community pharmacists identify carers and offer them support.
Becoming part of the PDA
In April 2019, NAWP announced that following their Annual General Meeting (AGM), it had made the decision to dissolve the group after 114 years. However, in October 2019, the PDA decided to take on NAWP as its first Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Network.
In January 2020, NAWP began a new chapter as a network of the PDA and has become known as the PDA NAWP Network, which paved the way for 3 other PDA EDI Networks (PDA BAME, PDA Ability, and PDA LGBT+).
Since joining the PDA, NAWP has continued its work to support women pharmacists. Some of this work has included launching a series of factsheets relating to women’s health issues, taking part in the Wear it Pink campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer, attending the European Women’s Pharmacy Meeting (EWPM), hosting a variety of events, including the annual International Women’s Day event and much more.
European Women’s Pharmacy Meeting 2024
Looking to the future, NAWP will continue to offer its support and aims to enable all women pharmacists to realise their full potential and raise their profile by being educationally, socially and politically active.
NAWP Network members help the PDA to identify issues that need to be acted upon in pharmacy, which then influences PDA policy.
Feedback from PDA NAWP Network members
“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. The organisation serves as a powerful platform for amplifying the voices of women in pharmacy, fostering a supportive community that encourages innovation, leadership, and inclusivity across all areas of practice. In doing so, NAWP not only uplifts individual professionals but also strengthens the pharmacy workforce as a whole. I feel that as a woman pharmacist, I have found my voice and passion!”
Ayah Abbass, Immediate Past President of the PDA NAWP Network
“NAWP is a wonderful network to support you throughout your career, especially when you want to change your area of practice. It is a non-judgmental arena to ask questions. I have made many friends from all over the UK, lasting 30 years or more. I’ve been to 15 conferences in Germany, the Netherlands, Iceland, Greece, Austria, Poland and of course the UK with EWPM, all with NAWP members/friends.”
Anita White, NAWP Past President (2013 to 2019)
“Most professions have some form of women’s group. NAWP is the oldest in the UK. It is important to remember that the association is much more ‘for’ women than ‘of’ women. I.e. it is there to support women, not an exclusive club. Being able to discuss issues freely and work with colleagues who share similarities is invaluable.”
Christine Heading, NAWP Past President (2006 to 2007)
The PDA NAWP Network’s 2025 International Women’s Day event
Get involved
The PDA NAWP Network is £10 per year for PDA members, £20 per year for retired members, and £30 per year for non-PDA members. In accordance with the PDA’s support for future pharmacists, membership of the networks is FREE for PDA student and trainee members! The network is not just limited to women; allies are also welcome!
- Follow the PDA NAWP Network on social media using the hashtag #PDAnawp
- For more information about the PDA NAWP Network, click here.
- If you would like to get involved with the network and its activities, please email: [email protected]
- Join the PDA NAWP Network.
Learn more
- A Brief History
- National Association of Women Pharmacists to disband after over a century
- Women pharmacists’ body NAWP is now part of the PDA
- PDA EDI Networks
- NAWP encourages pharmacists to take part in Wear it Pink
- NAWP attends the 18th European Women Pharmacists Meeting
- Celebrating 120 years of the PDA NAWP Network
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.