Venkat Raman –
venkat@indiannewslink.co.nz
The New Zealand Chapter of an international organisation will get on to the public domain for the first time at the end of the month.
‘I am Woman,’ will launch its ‘High Tea Series’ at Langham Hotel, 83 Symonds Street, Auckland at 11 am on Saturday, April 30, 2016.
The National Chapter was established in 2014 but its founders and supporters have thus far subscribed to its low profile but now believe that it went on to the public platform, encouraged by growing concerns over gender inequality.
Tapping potential
Chapter Founder Anu Sharma said that the first public event on April 30 is in recognition of the ‘growing networks and circles of women on their journey to tapping their highest potential.’
“We believe that the most effective way to encourage and empower women is by sharing our stories and honouring our journeys. We know that every woman has a story. Let her truth be heard, honoured and respected by all generations to come. We also need to encourage younger women to partner with us,” she said.
Fashion designer Annah Stretton will the Guest Speaker at the event. Tickets, priced at $75 per person are now on sale. There is an early bird special of $55 per person (up to first 75 tickets). Group bookings of ten persons and above will also attract the discounted price.
Hidden talent
The organisation itself reflects the hidden potential of the woman behind it. Ms Sharma is a young and creative woman, with a vision which has always looked far into effective utilisation of women’s potential. New Zealand is known for its lip service to the cause of women but in recent years, there have been moves to improve gender equality in governance roles and boards of companies.
An international business report released in 2014 found that the average proportion of women in senior roles in New Zealand businesses has remained stuck at 31% for the past ten years.
In December 2013, ‘Catalyst,’ a non-profit research and advocacy group for women in business reported that in the last decade there has been no progress in moving women into top leadership positions at Fortune 500 companies either as Executive Officers or as participants on the Board of Directors.
Diverse cultures
Ms Sharma described ‘I am Woman’ as an initiative to bring together women of diverse cultures, ethnicities and walks of life, to a place that helps them ‘Step it up.’
“We believe that the most effective way to encourage and empower women is by sharing our stories and honouring our journeys. We know that every woman has a story. Let her truth be heard, honoured and respected by all generations to come.”
“We see numerous women’s initiatives working in the areas of uplifting vulnerable women, or supporting women who are victims of poverty, violence or abuse. On the other hand, there are other significant platforms for women leaders or women in the Board rooms,” Ms Sharma said.
We have invited Ms Sharma to share with our readers her experience in promoting the cause of women, the objectives and programmes of ‘I am Woman.’ We hope she would have the time to do so.
