New Zealand: International Women's Day Breakfast

WFWP NEW ZEALAND
JULY 23, 2018

Former Prime Minister of NZ, Helen Clark, encourages women to pursue their dreams

On March 8, 2018, WFWP New Zealand (NZ) held a breakfast for around 25 guests at the Parnell Peace Embassy in Auckland, New Zealand in honor of the United Nation's International Women's Day.

Mrs. Felicity Cairns, President of WFWP NZ, welcomed the participants. After providing a brief introduction about WFWP International, she explained that the proceeds of the event would be donated to the UN Women Meri Seif Bus Project in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, to enable women and girls to travel safely and free from sexual harassment and violence. As a flyer advertising this event was posted on UN Women's website, the event sold out very quickly.

Barbara Williams, the President of UN Women National Committee Aoteroa NZ, welcomed guests and participants joining by live stream. She and the Governor General, the Right Honorable Patsy Reddy, spoke with pride about how New Zealand was the first country to give women the right to vote 125 years ago. They both encouraged all women to continue the pursuit for gender equality and for the empowerment of rural women.

During the interlude, participants were able to enjoy a delicious breakfast. Following the meal, the audience listened to a conversation between Dr. Gill Greer, Chief Executive Officer of the National Council of Women New Zealand, and the Right Honorable Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, who reminisced about a time when there were only eight women members of Parliament. Helen Clark confirmed that times were tough then. She described how in order to make space for the women joining, some of the billiard tables in Parliament had to be removed. The discussion was very enjoyable and there was a consensus among the audience that even if each person does small things, together it can create big results.

Right Hon. Clark concluded the program by encouraging the audience to pursue their dreams.

"Don't wait for the door to be opened for you or the red carpet to be rolled out. Kick the door open and roll the red carpet out for yourself!"