Mallika Janakiraman
Auckland, March 9, 2024
New Zealand boasts of a diverse Indian community, adding richness to its multicultural fabric. However, ensuring optimal nutrition, especially among Indian women, remains a pressing concern.
Our objectives are pronounced in terms of Inspiring the wellbeing of women in general and those of the people of Indian origin in New Zealand, accelerating their Nutrition, Healthy Lifestyle and Mental wellbeing
It is not just about food; but also about fostering wellbeing, healthier lifestyles, and bridging cultural and dietary gaps.
As we commemorate International Women’s Day (March 8), it is imperative to acknowledge the crucial role of Indian women in New Zealand in promoting nutrition and well-being within their community. With approximately 110,070 Indian ethnic females out of 239,193 people aged around 30 years, this demographic represents a significant portion of the population.
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Key Strategies
Empowering Women as Nutrition Ambassadors: Equipping women with nutrition and wellness education empowers them to lead healthy lives and inspire future generations. Shaping Futures through Early Intervention: Initiatives like the “12/12” project, targeting iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in 12-year-old girls, that is by the age of 12, all girls should have a haemoglobin of 12.
So, it is not necessary that once a woman or a girl starts periods, she starts becoming anaemic thereby highlighting the importance of early intervention and education.
Cultural Adaptation and Innovation: Adapting traditional Indian recipes to modern nutritional needs ensures the preservation of cultural heritage while promoting balanced diets.
Community Support Networks: Establishing platforms for women to exchange knowledge and support fosters a conducive environment for positive change and shared learning.
Access to Resources: Collaborating with local markets and organizations enhances access to affordable, nutritious food options for all community members.
Bridging Cultures for Mental Health
The Indian community in New Zealand faces challenges in accessing mental health services, particularly among women aged 35-50. Stigma and cultural mismatches deter women from seeking help.
Culturally responsive mental health services, with increased ethnic representation and collaboration, are vital for improving service utilization and well-being.
Celebrating Women’s Contributions: Recognising women’s role in nurturing community well-being reinforces their value. Prioritizing women’s health paves the way for a vibrant and healthy Indian community.
The prevalence of malnutrition underscores the need to strengthen support for adolescents, addressing health issues affecting Indian women disproportionately. Empowering Indian women with knowledge and resources can lead to significant improvements in community health and overall well-being.
Let us aim to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 with defined targets and showcase progress, uniting across organisations and territories.
Investing in the health of Indian women today ensures a legacy of wellness for future generations. Review and refine as necessary for maximum impact.
Mallika Janakiraman is a Registered Nutritionist and a Member of the Committee of the Federation of Oceanic Nutrition Society. She is the Founder and Chairperson of the Auckland-based Wahine Charitable Trust.
