WFWP Oceania Inspires Guests at GWPN Assembly

Written by WFWP Oceania

In October 2019, WFWP Oceania had a Global Women’s Peace Network (GWPN) Assembly. The theme was, ‘The Role of Women in the Challenges of Our Time.’ 

During the GWPN assembly, the following speakers presented their thoughts:        

Felicity Cairns, the President of WFWP New Zealand, provided a comprehensive description of the different roles women played in society. Besides being the primary caretakers of children and the elderly in every country of the world, she explained that women are also most likely to be the prime initiators of external assistance and therefore play an important role in facilitating changes and challenges in family life. International studies on this issue indicate that when the economy and political organisations of a society change, it is women who take the lead in helping the family adjust to new realities and challenges.                                           

Geraldine Henderson is the youngest member of the National Council of Women in New Zealand and described some of the actions they take including the writing of submissions to Parliament to ensure the voice of women is given consideration in the decision making process. Although change continues to occur, Geraldine believes it is very slow and discrimination is still a challenge although it is much more subtle than it used to be in the past.  

Zabila Khan, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association NZ shared that social challenges occur as a result of the denial of human rights. While terrorism threatens the right to education, life, liberty and security, the depletion of natural resources threatens the future of our children. She explained that women play a vital role, as they can  use love and affection to break down the barriers caused by these challenges. 

Tara Singh, a philanthropist and executive member of the Auckland branch of UN Women New Zealand, believes that women are the key to unlocking and solving the challenges of our time. If women are involved in security and peace agreements, success is more than likely to occur. She explained that peace starts with all of us. Through compassion for ourselves and others, peace can be wrought at a wider level.