Karen Guilliland

When women all over the world are continually marginalised, abused and ignored, the need for ongoing protection of their status and rights is obvious

Karen has had a strong and active history of health service advocacy over many decades with a particular interest in women’s health, reproductive and human rights.

She has authored multiple publications and was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2000 for services to midwifery and women’s health.

As former CEO of the New Zealand College of Midwives, an elected and then appointed past member of the Canterbury District Health Board and PHARMAC, she experienced the need to constantly promote, improve and provide equitable and culturally safe access to high quality health services in order to protect patient’s rights.

She was Chair of the Family Help Trust providing support, addiction and mental health services to ex-prisoners and whānau and was the Asia Pacific representative on the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Board for 20 years.

The insights and lessons gained over decades of national and international health work highlighted how women’s rights are extremely difficult to win and so easily lost.

Karen’s support of the Women’s Rights Party reflects her lifelong concern for the protection of hard won rights for women that protect, strengthen and maintain their bodily autonomy and their multiple roles and status in society, including motherhood.