AGWN: Women of Colour #Investinwomen panel

Hosts: Te Aka Wāhine o Tāmaki Auckland Government Women’s Network

Venue: Online via Zoom

Attendance: 103

Date: 31st July 

Facilitator: Natasha Lewis, Principal Policy Advisor – Aged Care Commissioner, Deputy Chair of AGWN

Speakers: 

  • Fezeela Raza, Director of Organisational Capability and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Dr Samira Ghoreishi, Senior Advisor, Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention, MSD
  • Flight Lieutenant Icy Guo, New Zealand Defence Force

 

AGWN was pleased to host the Women of Colour #Investinwomen panel in collaboration with the PAPSN Tāmaki Chapter and the Women of Colour Public Servants Network.

We were so inspired to hear the kōrero of the panelists dicuss the "concrete ceiling" that many women of colour face in their careers and ways to combat it including sponsorship, drawing on your unique strengths, filling your own cup, finding like minded people and knowing when to step away.

 

Key takeaways

  • Allyship, Importance of mentoring
  • Practical tips on getting and being a sponsor - allowing investment even in current fiscal environment
  • Knowing that there is a strong community of WoC there
  • That having a network/support system is vital. Best quote ever 'We can't self care out of inequity'.
  • Learning about sponsoring, realising that I'm not the only person struggling to serve and navigate through this government (particularly with our foreign policy and world events),learning about the power of telling a story.
  • "The biggest impact to a child is the wellbeing of their mother" - its 100% true that this statement was referenced. Also, it was good to be validated that as a woman of colour I am treated differently and its not all just in my head.
  • I found the discussion helped participants consider things that could be done differently at all levels. The panel speakers also provided some good examples, e.g. the power of story telling,be bold, seeking learning opportunities and feedback in the workplace, etc.
  • Validation that it's not in our heads. Just working hard isn't enough without equity.
  • Finding a person who can provide advocacy, encouragement and support
  • We are not alone and there are amazing women in our community doing the mahi to ensure our future women coming up in the work environment have great foundations to work from to grow confidently.
  • That research exists on diversity data, but how do people access it. The fact that every organisation has different practices.
  • Approaches and opportunities for inclusion of women in workplace. Also hearing about issues also helps to understand the barriers.
  • Be an ally, support other women, particularly women of colour (as a Pākehā)

Feedback from attendees

  • Brilliant event and so glad people volunteer their time towards these events.
  • Great to have a Zoom webinar all Government women can participate in.
  • This is important work and women will support women, this a wonderful platform to open up new and exciting conversations.
  • Great line up of speakers (each had a unique perspective to share). Well hosted by Tash. Great job. Flowed really well (with questions).

Back to Learning/event summaries