What: UN Women Aotearoa NZ In Discussion with: Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and Hazara Afghan Association Inc

When: 11-12pm, 3 September 2021

Where: Virtual Zoom

Join UN Women Aotearoa New Zealand in Discussion with Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and Hazara Afghan Association Inc as we listen first hand to the journeys of 8 extraordinary women who each experienced coming to New Zealand as refugees in 2001/2004.

Sensitive to the tragedy still unfolding and in solidarity, UN Women Aotearoa New Zealand aims to use this discussion to help advocate for and create awareness of the women and girls remaining in Afghanistan, and of the stereotypes and challenges that will face incoming Afghan refugee women, girls and their families here in NZ.

How may we welcome those soon to be arriving Afghan refugees into the New Zealand community? What support will they need from us to begin to heal and embark on peaceful and prosperous lives here in Aotearoa?

For more information and to support UN Women's work in Afghanistan visit unwomen.org.nz

Host:

Tara Singh, UN Women Aotearoa NZ President

Tara’s philanthropic work and leadership has positioned her as a public advocate for women and girl child issues, clean energy/sustainability in business and environmental conservation, and animal welfare and rights. As a repeat delegate to the White House and United Nations, the essence of Tara’s professional life’s mission is to support women and youth and to empower our next generation of global leaders. Working with the support of the United Nations, Tara is a regular forum and session participant, serving on working groups and committees including the UN’s Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development’s (IANYD) Youth and Gender Equality and UN Women’s Business and Philanthropy Leaders’ Forum.

Guest Speaker:

Hon. Helen Clark, Former New Zealand Prime Minister

Helen Clark served three successive terms as Prime Minister of New Zealand between 1999 and 2008. She then became the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator for two terms from 2009 to 2017, the first woman to lead the organisation. She was also the Chair of the United Nations Development Group, a committee consisting of the Heads of all UN funds, programmes and departments working on development issues. Currently she serves as Co-Chair of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response set up by the World Health Organization to review the global handling of the pandemic. The panel recently issued its interim report on progress against the virus.

Moderator:

Sarwat Tasneem, UN Women Aotearoa NZ Committee Member Auckland

Oxford born, Sarwat is a recipient of the Archbishop of Canterbury's Hubert Walter Award in Reconciliation & Interfaith internationally. A Behavioural Change expert who has worked with Government(s) at high level in conflict resolution as part of the Coalition of Religious Equality and Inclusive Development, with an emphasis on women and youth in the Middle East, S.E.Asia and Africa. A UK Faith and Diversity Leader, she sits on several boards including UK Cabinet roundtables for anti-hate and outreach. She also advises Government agencies on inclusion and diversity. Sarwat is on the President Elect's Faith & Diversity advisory for COP26, where she supports and advocates for women and girls in the global south and indigenous peoples. Sarwat has been selected a Unicef UK Covax vaccine equity faith supporter, and her work in social cohesion has been recognised by HM Queen.

Panelists:

Fawzia Rajaiy

Fawzia Rajaiy was one of six siblings that arrived in New Zealand in 2004 fleeing the danger of war and the Taliban. All her siblings including herself went on to graduate in sciences and contribute to Aotearoa New Zealand as doctors and engineers. Fawzia works in procurement at New Zealand Health Partnerships, and continues to advocate for the rights of Afghans, particularly women and children in Afghanistan.

Sara Rahimi

Born in Afghanistan Sara moved to New Zealand when she was 7 years old. Not knowing any words in English upon her arrival, she was determined to excel and help society. Through the struggles that continue in her native home, she wants to change the opinion of what it is "to be a refugee". Sara lives in Auckland and works as a Lawyer in Property and is tri-lingual.

Zainab Noori

In 2011 Zainab Noori completed her master’s degree in veterinary medicine as a refugee in Iran. Returning to Afghanistan she began her role as a lecturer at the National Agriculture Education College from 2011 to 2017. Arriving in New Zealand in 2017, Zainab retrained in Pharmaceuticals when she was unable to find a job in Agriculture. A proud mother, Zainab wants to help the cause of women and children in Afghanistan.

Shirin Zakeri

Shirin Zakeri was born in Afghanistan and came to New Zealand as a refugee in 2004. Pursuing her passion as an innovator and making a difference for the good of society , following a degree in Commerce and Commercial Law at the University of Auckland, she is the Chief Financial Officer and one of the Co-founders of ZaberriWorld.

Insia Abdullali

Insia arrived in New Zealand as a child refugee. Her 17 years living in a country full of opportunity, provided the enthusiasm she has for life and the passion she has for her heritage and living amongst New Zealanders. Insia wants to help the women and people of Afghanistan, as it is was a home she was devastated to have had to leave behind. Insia is working as a Community Support Worker.

Tai-iba Hassanian

Tai'iba was three years old she arrived in New Zealand with her family as refugees from Afghanistan in 2004. Living at home in Christchurch with her family, Tai'iba currently is studying Medicine at the University of Auckland. An example of hope and opportunity, she wants to encourage young girls to pursue their dreams.

Fatima Karimi

Fatima's brother - Mohammad Ziya, was one of the tampa boys who arrived in New Zealand in 2001. Following his arrival, Fatima and her family were given refuge in New Zealand in 2004. An Environment Health Officer for Auckland council, Fatima is passionate about sharing the plight and needs of the communities in Afghanistan.

Q and A's:

Zainab Ewazi

I came to New Zealand twenty years ago. I am one the Tampa girls that was rescued by the Tampa ship, twenty years ago. I am blessed to be in New Zealand and very thankful to Capt Rinnan and his crew, who rescued the 438 Shia Hazara refugees from the sinking boat. I also want to thank the Honourable Helen Clark for bringing us to New Zealand and giving us the opportunity to do well in New Zealand. I studied Computer Science, and currently I am working full time for NZ Vodafone. I am also the Secretary of Hazara Afghan Association Incorporated.

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