NAWP was established in 1905 to “promote organised action to improve the opportunities and conditions of employment for all women in pharmacy”, according to the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA). 

In April 2019, NAWP decided to dissolve the group, but the PDA intervened and in January 2020, the group became the PDA’s first network in its equality, diversity and inclusion networks, enabling it to continue its mission. 

Read more: Community and prison locum elected new NAWP president 

The PDA said NAWP will continue to “enable all women pharmacists to realise their full potential” and “raise their profile by being educationally, socially and politically active”. 

NAWP’s immediate past president Ayah Abbass said the network “not only uplifts individual professionals but also strengthens the pharmacy workforce as a whole”. 

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“By offering mentorship, advocacy, and educational opportunities, NAWP empowers women pharmacists to advance their careers, overcome systemic barriers, and lead with confidence. 

“As a woman pharmacist, I have found my voice and passion!” 

Legacy 

Since its inception, the PDA said NAWP has achieved “many firsts for pharmacy” including: 

• In 1918, NAWP’s second president Margaret E. Buchanan became the first woman to serve on the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society. 
• In 1967, the first ‘Women in Pharmacy School’ was held in Manchester. 
• In 1991, a ‘Women in Pharmacy’ pack was introduced to examine career and employment opportunities for pharmacists that seven years later became a ‘Careers in Pharmacy’ pack. 
• In 1999, it launched mentoring scheme to support peers. 

Previous president Anita White said it’s a “wonderful network” where she’s made lasting friendships across the UK over the last 30 years as it’s been a “non-judgmental arena to ask questions”.  

Read more: National Association of Women Pharmacists to dissolve after 114 years 

And another past president Christine Heading said it’s an association “much more ‘for’ women than ‘of’ women” as 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,” she added. 

Since joining the PDA, NAWP has helped it to “identify issues that need to be acted upon in pharmacy” and this has subsequently influenced PDA policy. 

Read more: National Association of Women Pharmacists to continue under the PDA 

Its work has extended to launching factsheets relating to women’s health issues, such as taking part in the breast cancer awareness campaign Wear it Pink. 

It has also attended events such as the European Women’s Pharmacy Meeting (EWPM) and hosted its own, including an International Women’s Day (IWD) event in March. 

At the IWD event, current NAWP president Lourette Latif Philips said the network will “continue advocating for gender equality in pharmacy, promoting equal pay and career advancement”. 

Read more: Women pharmacist body to undergo ‘Doctor Who regeneration’ under PDA  

She added: “NAWP will collaborate with other equality networks to cover intersectional issues affecting all pharmacists, fostering an even more inclusive and equitable environment. 

“I hope we can make NAWP’s voice and presence even more prominent by collaborating with other pharmacy organisations, utilising social media, and publishing more articles.” 

In September, C+D reported that Philips will serve as NAWP president until 2026.