March 8th, 2020 was marked worldwide as another historic day. Women have celebrated since the beginning of this movement 170 years ago. International women, thought leaders from diverse disciplines come together to share their experiences and expertise to motivate and inspire women in many nations to do more, to have more, to be more, and to celebrate all they have.
EthNix Links & Advocacy Network, in collaboration with several women’s organisations and with the support of collaborative sponsors came together at the New Lynn Community Centre to celebrate the day keen to promote and empower each other, bridge diversity, create a safe space to build social inclusion.
Mi Anne Degia-Pala QSM, founder of EthNix Links which was founded 19 years ago under the banner of NixCrew Road Safety Trust says “Yes, we are at a critical time in history relative to the roles of women in all aspects of private and public life. Now is the time for women to come together as a global community to help each other live our best lives. Never before have the voices of women vibrated so loudly around the world as they do right now!!” ” We are mothers, sisters, grandmothers, wives, as well as professionals, educators, doctors, service providers, community workers, and much more.
Migrant activist Asoka Basnayake noted, her pleasure and privilege to join the event and she was delighted to see the event had gathered momentum and was well participated from various cultures, inspiring speakers and made particular mention of the initiative that recognises ethnically diverse women. It is wonderful to see many diverse organisations bringing women together locally and nationally, she said.
Nilima Venkat General Manager of Shanti Niwas who was part of the organising committee said, it was a empowering for older women as well to hear the eminent speakers, mix and mingle and take part in the activities.
Speakers included Dr Rachel Simon Kumar from the University of Auckland and Dr Meera Raithatha Vig of Starship Paediatric Department. Several women took to the mike to share their roles and how they were part of the day. Surprise speaker Unati Patel shared with us her journey to New Zealand and her job as a Truck Driver, a role she enjoys in a so called man only domain.
Women can do it all, as movers and shakers for engaging audiences, by being part of project teams, sponsors and guests to reach out for opportunities. We just seek equity, we will make our own way to our goals, and we will not tolerate discrimination, we will speak for human rights and the rights of women to be who they are or wish to be. Performances included bollywood and bhangra and a fashion outlet showing women young and the aged. It was a fantastic day and it was full house. A lovely meal was served and many prizes were won. All in all a day for women well worth putting by passionate volunteers as a sustainable, self resourced event.
– by Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust