University College Dublin Women Graduates’ Association
The UCD Women Graduates’ Association was established in 1902. It is the only University Graduates’ Association which has an unbroken existence since that time.
In the early 1900’s it achieved one of its founders’ objectives – “to secure that all the advantages of University education in Ireland be open to women equally with men”. It has continued to influence public policy on matters affecting women in general and women graduates in particular.
One of the founding members, Mary Hayden, became the first female professor of Modern Irish History in UCD and served as president of UCD WGA for many years. She was instrumental in making a submission against the 1937 Constitution which was very anti-women.
UCD with UCC, UCG, QUB and Trinity college forms the Irish Federation of University Women, which is affiliated to the University Women of Europe (UWE) and the International Federation of University Women (GWI).
UCDWGA upholds the aims and objectives of the International Federation (GWI).
UCDWGA Activities
We organise a range of activities for our members, including:
Monthly meetings: lectures; seminars
Luncheons and social events
Morning visits to places of local interest
Group visits to theatre and concerts
Annual dinner
Annual study weekend with the Irish Federation of University Women
Public Speaking Competition for secondary school girls under 15 years of age
Opportunities to attend meetings abroad with the University Women of Europe (UWE) and the International Federation of University Women(GWI)