Guests were welcomed by trustees and volunteers, before being addressed by the keynote speaker: Anjum Rahman MNZM who gave an overview of her own life as an ‘outsider’, growing up in Hamilton.
Anjum left India with her parents at the age of two, to Canada, where her father was studying. An opportunity came for him to take up a position with the Ruakura Research Institute (MAF) in Hamilton, and soon Aotearoa-New Zealand became home. Her family were the first Muslim family in Hamilton, and Anjum was the only child at school that was not Maori or of European descent. School was a daunting place, with constant bullying. All she wanted to do, was blend in, and this seemed an impossible task, which led to a complete lack of confidence.
Fast forward to today, and before those assembled stood a vibrant, confident and capable woman who has overcome many, many challenges and yet, through her own life experience has also assisted others who identify differently, whether by gender, culture, ethnicity, ability or age.
Following the Mosque attacks in Christchurch, Anjum’s light was able to shine, when those suffering inexplicable loss and harm, had lost their way. She became the voice that advocated at the highest level to be heard, that this act of utter devastation, was totally shocking and unacceptable, and that as a nation, New Zealanders all needed to actively consider changes in the way racism and prejudice has been normalised.
In 2019, Anjum was at the helm of the Inclusive Aotearoa Collective, which visited 46 towns and cities in New Zealand, talking to many groups, including gangs, men’s groups, disabled persons, transgender, youth and seniors, migrants and prisoners. The purpose of this hikoi was to better understand the negative narratives and why those disempowered fail to thrive. This was a rare opportunity for some honest conversations, to listen first hand at the stories of real New Zealanders and their experiences.
Since this time, of information gathering there has been a body of work that includes : highlighting gender and ethnic pay disparity, a call to action over racism that pervades every level of our society, and an appeal to increase our understanding of systemic and intergenerational trauma.
A question was posed to Anjum: What is one small thing that every person could do to make a difference? Her response:
- Change what you read- choose a book written by someone who doesn’t look like you.
- Change the films/movies you view- watch a film with two lead females, who are also different to you.
- Look at who and what you follow on social media and open yourself up to new ideas, listen , and don’t feel the need to publicise your opinion or comment
- Go to diversity events eg Pride festival, Te Matatini, Diwali, Hannukah, Lantern Festivals etc all of these help us to understand each other a little better, and appreciate our differences.
The afternoon concluded with an address by Sara Elliott: from Plunket Bay of Plenty updating those present on how the funds from the Impact 2021-22 donors have made an impact with their Maternal Mental Health Project in the Eastern Bay-connecting and supporting mothers.
Sara explained why the first 1000 days of a child’s life plays such an essential role in who they become. Making a difference in those first days is absolutely, crucial to the success of parenting and family life, ultimately to a stable and secure future for a child to thrive. Parenting today is so different from times gone by and so challenging, when juggling the physical, financial, emotional and environmental needs of all in the household. Mums often get overlooked.
To date the project has seen the interaction and participation of 229 mothers; provided car seats for those with the highest need; toys that are culturally appropriate; operational costs and venue hire for country halls etc for regular meetings; assisted with the vehicle to transport the mothers and babies to group meetings. There are now several groups meeting regularly: in Opotiki, Kawerau, Taneatua and Whakatane.
Sara thanked the donors to the fund for their vision and the difference they are continuing to make in an area that is underfunded, and under resourced.
Trustees thanked all those who had attended and advised that a time would soon be made to meet again.
The 2023 Impact 100 fund is accepting donations now, and anyone wanting to participate is urged to look for the Impact 100 Page on this website and click the Donate Now button on. By holding hands and pooling our resources we can truly make a difference.