The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 274 No 7331 p16
1/8 January 2005

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Women pharmacists celebrate the centenary of their national association

The National Association of Women Pharmacists was founded in 1905. Pamela Mason sets the scene for the forthcoming celebrations

This year, the National Association of Women Pharmacists (NAWP) celebrates its centenary. The year 1905 belongs to another era, another century, and it may be difficult for those of us who have qualified as pharmacists more recently to imagine what professional life was like at that time, particularly for women.

Today, no one would question the ability of women to practise competently and their fitness to assume the highest executive offices. Over the past 15 years five of the presidents of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society have been women and the Society’s current secretary and registrar is a woman. Just over half the pharmacists in Britain are women and their role in the profession is firmly established.

At the beginning of the 20th century, women had been admitted to membership of the Pharmaceutical Society for 20 years, but there were still fewer than 200 women members. Despite proving themselves to be more than academically equal to men and frequently carrying off the Society’s top awards, women still encountered prejudice in obtaining the three-year apprenticeships necessary for registration to practise as pharmaceutical chemists.

Difficulties

Once qualified, they then faced difficulties in finding suitable employment in what was, like many other professions, a male-dominated environment. Only certain positions were considered to be suitable for women pharmacists. Many of these were in ill-equipped hospital dispensaries and were inevitably low paid. The more successful women pharmacists, particularly those running their own businesses, had usually taken over from deceased husbands or fathers.

On 15 June 1905, a group of women pharmacists met in Endsleigh Street in London, to form an association that was to have far-reaching effects over their own lives and those of generations to come. In founding the new association they wanted to improve the opportunities and conditions of employment for all women in pharmacy. This was the first properly constituted body run by women for women within a male-dominated profession.

There have been many developments since that first meeting, and the aims and focus of NAWP have reflected changing attitudes in pharmacy and in society. Two world wars altered the way working women were regarded and equal opportunities legislation ensured equality of pay and working conditions.

Ever ready to turn its attention to contemporary issues, NAWP has achieved many firsts for pharmacy, including the development of the first return-to-practice courses for women wishing to resume their careers after a break. Sue Symonds, a member of NAWP’s executive committee, says that attending a NAWP return-to-practice weekend provided her with much needed confidence at a time when she was anxious about returning to practice at all.

Members of NAWP meet both nationally and regionally to discuss topics of professional interest and to share, in a friendly and reassuring atmosphere, their experiences of balancing home and work commitments. A regular newsletter keeps members informed on professional matters and on developments in employment trends.

Vela Burden, vice-president of NAWP, says that continuing education (and now continuing professional development) has been a feature of conferences and meetings for many years providing participants with an opportunity not only to learn but also to have fun with friends and fellow members.

The fellowship existing within the NAWP network also provides a valuable encouragement to those women pharmacists who aspire to raise their professional and political profile. From the ranks of NAWP came the first women members of the Society’s board of examiners and the first women members of the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society, several subsequently becoming president.

Support

NAWP’s close connection with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has resulted in significant and much appreciated support over many years. However, its independent status has given it the freedom to pursue its aims and to exert a powerful influence to promote equality of opportunity, to encourage continuing education and career development, and to foster links with similar organisations in the UK and overseas.

The association is conscious of its ongoing role, not only within the profession but as a voice of pharmacy in the wider public arenas of women’s affairs, especially those related to health. The association has close links with such bodies as the Women Returners’ Network, the Women’s National Commission, the Pennell initiative and the Association of Women in Science and Engineering. Support is also given to groups committed to other issues such as domestic violence and the treatment of women in prison.

NAWP is justifiably proud of its achievements so far and is excited about the future. “The association has certainly enriched my life,” Mrs Burden says, “and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities provided when leading the organisation into its next century.”

NAWP’s centenary will be celebrated through a variety of events around Britain (see Panel). Membership is open to all pharmacists —men and women. More information can be obtained from Brenda Ecclestone, NAWP Secretary, Princess Royal Cottage, Butterow West, Rodborough, Stroud GL5 3UA (tel 01453 759516).