Show your support for Aotearoa kōhine and wāhine this International Women’s Day
I was going to write a post about how hard 2020 was, and all of the ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted both the disproportionate burdens that women¹ carry and the essential nature of their mahi (work)……but then it just felt like A LOT.
This last year has been a truly crappy year to be a woman globally. International Women’s Day is our annual reminder that we are part of a global sisterhood and so of course it’s impossible not to reflect on the impact that the pandemic has had on women across the world. But just for now, I decided to hold space for all of the beautiful, joyful, creative and rebellious ways that kōhine (young women) and wāhine (women) support one another in Aotearoa.
Yes, we were the first country to give women the vote, and yes, Jacinda is a boss bitch, but there are still so many ways we are failing our kōhine and wāhine. Here are some incredible women-led NGOs and social enterprises that you may not have heard of which are making a huge difference to the lives of women and girls across the motu:
One of the fundamental reasons we are still so far off achieving gender equality is because policies and programmes are often designed without the needs of kōhine and wāhine at the centre. The Shift Foundation shifts this trend by putting young women at the centre of everything we do, listening to their needs and dreams, and then co-designing solutions alongside them.
Working across the Wellington region, we drive innovative, sustainable, and impactful opportunities for kōhine to thrive through connection, empowerment, movement and leadership. We use what we learn to lead systems change for the wellbeing of all kōhine in Aotearoa.
Go to our website to learn more and give an International Women’s Day donation.
Finding work is not easy for any former refugee, but refugee background women can face particular challenges in accessing employment because of sexism, racism, and the burden of caring for children and other family members. Nisa is a Wellington-based underwear label and social enterprise, employing women from refugee and migrant backgrounds. For the Nisa team, a job is about so much more than a pay cheque — it’s about making friends, practising English and feeling like a valued member of a team.
Go to their website and treat yourself to some beautiful, ethical undies for International Women’s Day, and follow @nisawomen on the ‘gram.
There are still more men named Dave or David than there are women CEOs, and women make up just 15% of COVID advisory groups worldwide, so supporting women into ‘non-traditional’ fields like STEM (science, tech, engineering and maths) and business is a no-brainer. GirlBoss NZ is a youth-for-youth organisation aimed at encouraging, empowering and inspiring young women to pursue careers in male- dominated STEM, business, leadership and entrepreneurship.
It’s free to join Girl Boss NZ and members get first dibs on GirlBoss opportunities!
Unequal access to menstrual products still has significant impacts on the lives of people who have periods in Aotearoa. Jacinda recently said “we know that nearly 95,000 9-to-18 year olds may stay at home during their periods due to not being able to afford period products”. The Period Place’s mission is to provide safe spaces for period conversations, get period education to those that need it, and ensure every menstruator in Aotearoa has the same access to period products.
Send them an International Women’s Day donation or get involved now!
A quarter to a third of women living in Aotearoa will experience intimate partner or sexual violence in their lifetime, this is among the worst in the OECD. The Aunties is a support community in South Auckland for those living with the effects of family harm. These incredible wāhine provide access to emotional and practical resources to around 500 women and their whānau who are seeking to heal from domestic violence each year. The Aunties believe that everyone has the right to live with self-determination, dignity, and knowledge of their mana, in recognition of the value, joy and beauty of their true selves.
Here’s hoping that one day there is no need to have an International Women’s Day, but until then… keep supporting the amazing women and girls in your life and if you can spare it, support one of the women-led for purpose organisations above, it makes a world of difference ❤
¹ When I say ‘woman’ or ‘wāhine’, I always mean all women- trans, cis, non-binary, rainbow. All women are welcome here.
