New Zealand’s Muslim community has a number of women who have achieved high levels of success in several fields and they must be recognised and rewarded says a popular social worker and community leader.
Anne Pala, a former President of the Waitakere Ethnic Board and a former Executive Committee Member of the Waitakere Indian Association is on the forefront of an Awards scheme to encourage women of Islam to participate in an Awards Programme and celebrate the achievements of their sisters in the community.
Innovative initiative
Titled, ‘Women Who Inspire,’ the Awards Programme is an initiative of the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand and EthNix Links & Advocacy Network (ELAN), of which Mrs Pala is the Managing Director.
“The initiative will recognise and reward women who have made a difference in the lives of other people in New Zealand. The Awards Scheme will be a regular yearly event run in conjunction with the International Eid Food Festival,” she said.
Muslim women living in Auckland, with a commitment to equality of women and improving the welfare of the community will be eligible for nomination.
“The Nominees must demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of others, and must have participated in grassroots activism or demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement and interfaith activities. Nominators must answer all the criteria questions contained in the Nomination Form and must submit a bio-data of the person nominated. The completed forms must be sent by email to ethlinks@xtra.co.nz on or before Friday, August 8, 2014. Entries received after this date will not be considered,” Mrs Pala said.
Selection process
A Selection Committee comprising representatives of ELAN, the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand, and members of the broader community will evaluate the entries and choose the winners.
They will be honoured at the Awards Night scheduled to be held from 630 pm on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at Kelston Community Centre Auditorium located at 135, Awaroa Road, Sunnyvale, West Auckland.
Further details can be obtained from Anne Pala on 021-813607; Email: annpala@nixcrew.com
