Redefining Leadership for Ōtautahi’s Ethnic Women
Author: Dr Hafsa Ahmed MNZM (Programme Director)
With our dedicated team of volunteers, Lady Khadija Trust has been instrumental in creating impactful projects aimed at fostering growth and resilience within the community. One such initiative that holds a special place in my heart is the Ethnic Women’s Leadership Programme. This empowering journey has brought together a diverse group of ethnic women to share their stories, learn from one another, and build lasting connections.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment
When we received an Ethnic Communities Development Fund grant in August 2022, I was thrilled at the opportunity to launch Aotearoa New Zealand’s first a ethnic women’s leadership programme designed and delivered by ethnic women tailored specifically for women from Christchurch’s ethnic communities. From February to June 2023, twelve incredible women of different ages and ethnicities embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
I was deeply moved by the first session of the programme, aptly titled ‘Journey of self’, where the women engaged in vulnerable and open conversations, sharing their personal experiences and challenges. The diversity in the room was profound – with women from five different continents, each with their unique story and perspective. It was a powerful reminder of diversity’s richness and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Collaboration and Community Support
The success of the Ethnic Women’s Leadership Programme was further amplified through collaboration with Leadership Lab’s Rourou project and Erica Austin. Their support was crucial in ensuring the programme’s accessibility to more women in Ōtautahi. We were able to offer a bootcamp as an extension of the original programme, providing an opportunity for those who missed out on the initial course due to work commitments to participate and benefit from the empowering experience.
The diversity of attendees at the bootcamp programme from countries such as India, China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, Iran, Afghanistan, Chile, Brazil, and Colombia added richness and depth to the discussions, enabling the women to learn from one another’s cultures, experiences, and perspectives.
Building Confidence and Fostering Connections
Throughout the course, the women had the opportunity to hear from various women leaders, including a past Ashburton Councillor, Thelma Trono Bell, , and Elle Archer, the Director and Founder of SMART Development. These sessions provided valuable insights into leadership and inspired the women to believe in themselves and their abilities.
The program’s impact was evident in the participants’ testimonials, with many describing the sessions as “feeling like home” and “life-changing”. Witnessing the growth and transformation in these women was incredibly rewarding, and their gratitude and appreciation touched me. As one participant shared, “This course has helped me to build my confidence and rediscover myself back. Thank you so much for all the knowledge and insights that you shared with us in this journey.”
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey
As we celebrated the graduation of both cohorts, I felt a profound sense of pride and accomplishment. I feel they can be better leaders now because they are strongly grounded in their identity, so they are not going to compromise on anything.
Their success marked a significant milestone for Lady Khadija Trust and our commitment to empowering communities through compassion. Acknowledging the transformative impact of the programme on the participants’ lives, I am hopeful and excited about running more leadership courses in the future to uplift and empower ethnic women by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed in their communities and beyond.
Photo Credits: Rami Baha; Erica Austin
