Global Conference on women in Hamilton

The Waikato Chapter of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and the GOPIO International Women’s Council are jointly organising a Forum next week to discuss issues confronting migrant women of Indian origin.

‘Vision to see, Courage to do,’ will be the theme of the one-day event, scheduled to be held on Sunday, June 9 at the ‘Celebrating Age Centre’ (30 Victoria Street) in Hamilton.

Among the main topics of discussion would be safety and security of women, local and international challenges, domestic peace, empowerment through education and culture and employment and entrepreneurship.

The event, which will mark the fifth anniversary of the Waikato Chapter of GOPIO, will also discuss the role of migrants in their resident community, ways and means of successful integration, promotion of Indian culture and heritage and other aspects of social and communal harmony.

GOPIO International Women’s Council Chairperson Suman Kapoor, who is also the founder-President of the first GOPIO Chapter in New Zealand at Waikato, has been a regular attendee of the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held in various cities in India in January, in addition to attending regional events such as the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held in Mauritius last year.

She presented a paper on women empowerment issues in Mauritius and on rural women at a conference held in Punjab, India.

Significant body

Established 23 years ago, GOPIO is a non-political, non-religious and not-for-profit association catering to the needs of the Indian Diaspora and in some countries, championing the cause of India.

Mrs Kapoor said that apart from the Women’s Council, the Organisation has a number of other Councils catering to those evincing interest in Science & Innovation, Education, Youth and the Media.

“These Councils deal with specific issues that are global in nature and affect people of Indian origin locally, nationally and internationally. They depend on the local chapters of GOPIO for membership and involvement in projects and programmes,” she said.

Rekha Gupta of US and Bhaunu Dwarika of Trinidad &Tobago are Co-Chairpersons of the GOPIO International Women’s Council.