A women-only event, Women for women Summit, an event for ethnically diverse women was held last weekend at the Mt Eden War memorial hall. This was an opportunity for diverse women across Auckland to celebrate, share and connect with others after months of uncertainty, lockdowns and change.
This was an initiative taken by a group of women and presented by EthNix Links, an Auckland based not for profit organisation initiative by Anne Degia_Pala, QSM and was sponsored by several organisations – ABC Business Solutions, Bespoke Legal, BP, Belong Aotearoa, HummFM, Shanti Niwas, Shivani Restaurant, 0800 Rachna, WinMac Solutions Ltd, Freeparking and Mercury Printz.
“We need to see it to become it” says, Anne Pala, founder of EthNix Links and Advocacy Network (ELAN). We are a network of collaborators, diverse women, working and doing what makes us leaders and decision makers in our areas of work.
Initially this event was meant to be held on the 8 March to mark and celebrate the International Women’s’ Day but it was postponed due to the last Auckland lockdown. The organisers decided to turn it into a Summit rather than a celebration and the resulting event was attended by over 100 diverse women.
The Summit was opened with a Karakia by Sasi Syed.
A panel of well-known diverse women who have excelled in their various professions addressed the vibrant gathering.
Waseema Ahmed, a professional scholar of sacred sciences, a Maths Teacher, Montessori teacher and kindergarten team leader and supervisor, teacher of Quranic tafsir as well as an Arabic grammar teacher, spoke about mental and holistic wellbeing for women.
Dr Anne Perera, a scientist and nutritionist originally from Sri Lanka, spoke about Nutrition today, health tomorrow.
Dr Camille Nakhid, former Chair of the Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel and an Associate Professor at AUT hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, spoke about who a feminist is. Her entertaining speech.
Nilima Venkat who heads the Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust for seniors of Indian origin, spoke about Seniors’ resilience. Nilima, a registered social worker has many years of hands-on experience with migrant seniors.
Rachana Dave, an independent financial advisor who has won many awards including the Best Mortgage Advisor discussed financial independence for women.
Fazilat Shah, an Auckland Barrister with over 35 years’ experience in Family Law in New Zealand and Fiji, spoke about the importance of mediation services.
Sue Lim, QSM, a well-known health professional and the founder of eCALD® Services and has more than 25 years of experience in the NZ Health sector, spoke about her own experience of surviving cancer that brought in a standing ovation.
There was ample opportunity for networking, some fabulous raffle prizes, several interesting stall holders who showcased their wares and some great snacks and a beautiful cake donated by Fresco Cakes of West Auckland.
One of the participants messaged the organisers “We had an absolute marvellous time making meaningful connections that ignite and foster our professional growth and social cohesion”. This was exactly the aim of the organisers when creating this platform.
The organising committee consisted of Anne Degia-Pala, Nilima Venkat, Roshila Prasad, Anita Keestra, Naz Sharif , Sakthi Krishnamoorthy, Nanette Nathoo, Nitika Chand, Sreesutha Nampali, Kashika Singh, Shivani Arora, Sasi Syed, Shiro Pillay, Asoka Basnayake, Jennifer and Benazir Din.
The next event will be held in September and it will be an ethnic women’s’ awards. – Asoka Basnayake
