The National Council of Women exist to work towards true gender equality in Aotearoa New Zealand. Where once New Zealand led in gender equality, we are now ranked 9th world wide.

Every year, the Dunedin branch of the National Council of Women run an essay competition for senior secondary school students in Dunedin. The essay topic is always current and thought-provoking. This year it was: What can women do about climate change?

The competition is called The Dawn Ibbotson Essay Competition after Dawn Ibbotson, who passed away on January the 20th of this year, aged 105. As well as being matriarch of the St Clair Family Estate and vineyard, Dawn made an extensive contribution to education and strongly believed in always being and doing her best. 

Georgia Wong (Year 12) placed second, Sophie Woodham (Year 13) placed third and Holly Friedlander (Year 13) received a Highly Commended. You can read Georgia's essay here.