Auckland GWN IWD 2021 event
Speakers: Prue Kapua and Saunoamaali'i Dr Karanina Sumeo
Host: Te Aka Wāhine o Tāmaki Auckland GWN
Venue: Online via Zoom
Date: 8 March, 2021
Attendance: 100+
Theme: Māori and Pasifika wāhine in leadership, achieving an equal future in a COVID 19 world
Te Aka Wāhine o Tāmaki was honoured to celebrate International Women’s Day with our inspirational speakers who shared their experiences and insights into the continued challenges faced by Māori and Pasifika wāhine.
Key Takeaways:
- It's important to engage with those who have the lived experience, knowledge and expertise, e.g. the Māori Women's Welfare League.
- There needs to be better data collected and clear targets set so that organisations are invested in and accountable for gender and ethnic equity.
- Understanding of Māori and Pasifika cultural perspectives should be taken into account in the recruitment/retainment process not just qualifications or interview performances.
- Māori and Pasifika wāhine experience misogyny and racism differently and these intersectional issues need to be addressed.
- Recognising that incorporating diversity and inclusion is not the same as having equality.
- An added barrier to progression is bullying behaviours and wāhine feel they can’t challenge it as they have too much to lose. They are in a place of limited power.
Attendee feedback:
"As a pākehā, I was really moved by the speakers and their courage and belief."
"I loved the whole presentation."
"A wonderful way to celebrate IWD and to build the foundation of a Māori and Pasifika strategy – great work e hoa ma!"
"I thoroughly enjoyed it, good to have women who are bold to challenge/push the status quo."
"Keep up the great work!"
