Venkat Raman –
Do Muslims promote good partnership at work, cutting through religious barriers?
How well have they integrated into mainstream New Zealand?
Are women workers in the Muslim community perceived with prejudice?
How can New Zealand practice greater social and cultural tolerance?
These are some of the issues that will come under focus at ‘Muslim at Work in New Zealand,’ the first-ever summit dedicated to Muslims in New Zealand today (April 1).
Dr Edwina Pio, Professor of Diversity at AUT University has convened the Summit at Sir Paul Reeves Building, 2 Governor Fitzroy Place, Auckland at 1030 am, with the support of the Office of Ethnic Communities, Human Rights Commission and New Zealand Police.
Important Issues
She said that Equal Employment Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue will be the keynote speaker, outlining how organisations seek to incorporate religion in their workplace.
Other speakers include New Zealand’s first ethnic Police Inspector Rakesh Naidoo, Martin Jenkins Managing Director Kevin Jenkins, AUT Imam Sheikh Rafat, Umma Trust officials Anne Lee and Fetiya Mohammed and Ethnic Perspective Services Managing Director Mohamud Mohamed.
Dr Pio said that Muslim concept of work and the experience of Muslim women in the workplace will also be covered at the Summit.
“This Summit is for HR professionals, managers in organisations, public sector leaders and other stakeholders in the community, aiming to improve the understanding of growing Muslim workforce in New Zealand and provide for their welfare and understanding,” she said.
Dispelling myths
She said there was a need to dispel myths, shed light on the Islamic culture and create understanding of the diversity within our Muslim workforce.
“By sharing information and research we want to encourage delegates to promote understanding and positive change at an individual, organisational and national level. Our Muslim population, accounting for more than 46,000 people, have a lot in common but they are also a diverse group, hailing from more than 50 countries, and crossing the spectrum of socio economic status, skills and education,” Dr Pio said.
Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy said that the Human Rights Commission welcomes discussion on Muslims in the workplace.
“This forum provides the chance to discuss important challenges and opportunities. Education and awareness is critical to building a greater understanding for all New Zealanders she said.
Promoting unity
Berlinda Chin, Director of Office of Ethnic Communities said that her organisation works to promote economic benefits of New Zealand’s ethnically diverse population.
“We do this by identifying and removing barriers to participation and creating conditions conducive to increased participation. We believe that people from diverse backgrounds, including Muslims, provide a positive contribution to New Zealand’s multicultural workforce and economy,” she said and applauded AUT for fostering greater social cohesion by convening the summit.
