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The Betty Loughhead Scholarship is a scholarship supported annually by Soroptimist clubs throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, providing financial assistance to women over 25 who are studying to enter or re-enter the workforce, or to change careers. This scholarship represents a vital opportunity for women to pursue a ‘second chance’ education and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
BETTY LOUGHHEAD SCHOLARSHIP
ABOUT BETTY LOUGHHEAD
Betty Loughhead-Turland joined Soroptimist International of Christchurch in 1951, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to Soroptimism and leadership. She held office at all levels within the organization, from local to international roles. Among her many accomplishments:
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She served on the Conference of Clubs and chaired it from 1967 to 1969.
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She was elected President of the Soroptimist clubs of the South West Pacific from 1980 to 1982.
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Betty served as a member of the International Board from 1979 to 1983, further cementing her legacy in Soroptimist leadership.
In 1983, Betty achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first New Zealander to be appointed President of Soroptimist International. Her inauguration took place in Istanbul, Turkey, an event celebrated by many New Zealand Soroptimists who traveled to witness this proud moment. Her presidency marked an inspiring chapter in Soroptimist International’s history, setting a precedent for New Zealand’s representation on the global stage.
Beyond her presidency, Betty served as the Editor of the International Soroptimist Magazine from 1991 to 1995, contributing her voice and vision to share Soroptimist values worldwide.
The Legacy of the Betty Loughhead Scholarship
The Betty Loughhead Scholarship was founded in 1987 to honour Betty as the first International President from the South West Pacific Region. This scholarship continues to uphold her commitment to education and empowerment for New Zealand women.
Prior to the establishment of this scholarship, Soroptimist New Zealand provided a scholarship known as the Māori Girls’ Scholarship, which aimed to support Māori students. However, with increasing availability of other scholarships for Māori students, the focus shifted. This led to the creation of the Betty Loughhead Scholarship, dedicated to supporting women over 25 who are embarking on new educational journeys to improve their career prospects.
Since its inception, Soroptimist clubs across Aotearoa New Zealand have continuously contributed to the fund, ensuring the scholarship can support numerous women each year. This fund has enabled women to secure qualifications, change career paths, and find new opportunities, with grants totalling [include amount] awarded to [number of recipients] women over the decades.
By joining Soroptimist International, you become part of a network dedicated to supporting women's education, empowerment, and career advancement.
Together, we're helping women like those supported by the Betty Loughhead Scholarship take crucial steps towards brighter futures.