SISWP Federation President Anusha Santhirasthipam writes about her recent attendance at the SI of Aotearoa NZ Conference in Wellington New Zealand.
SI New Zealand Conference theme was "Women Flying High" with inspiring Keynote speeches from Renee Graham, CEO of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Mary O'Reagan Founder of the same Ministry.
Article by Anusha Santhirasthipam
I delivered a Keynote Speech on SISWP Biennium Theme Embrace, Create, Prosper and had a good dialogue on the four sub-thematic areas. There were many emerging leaders and younger members, which is a most encouraging sign for succession planning.
There was an enlightening Panel session comprising Anne Else, co-founder of Broadsheet, one of the world's longest running feminist magazines, Alannah Wesche, Director of GEE Nepal, a New Zealand charity focused on educating and empowering girls in Nepal, Ashleigh Smith, leader and advocate for prevention of bullying, gender equality and mental health, Caroline Herewini, Executive Director of Te Whare Tiaki Wahini Refuge, a domestic violence shelter for Maori women and Karen Smith, a NZ Police Senior Professional Conduct Manager leading Tu Tonu programme to tackle sexual abuse and violence on girls.
A strategic and productive Business Meeting was followed by regional meetings. There were 3 concurrent workshops, one on Domestic Violence, another on Extinction or Evolution: Membership & Advocacy and the last workshop on Public Relations. The day ended with a fabulous gala dinner.