6 March 2014
MEDIA RELEASE
Time for Inspiring
Change
With International Women’s Day (IWD)
March 8, about to be globally recognised and celebrated,
local entity Te Ropu Wahine Maori Toko i te Ora (Maori
Women’s Welfare League) joins the international network to
embrace its Inspiring Change
theme.
“Inspiring Change is a great theme
for the League, because we are experiencing a revival
having introduced a number of things like new branding and
technology to appeal to, and increase a younger
membership,” says General Manager, Awhimai
Reynolds.
Established in 1951 and considered a reputable
organisation of 60+ years, Reynolds is adamant earlier
perceptions that the League was an ‘old ladies
club’ are no longer the case.
In the role just 12
months, Reynolds says she is very excited at new information
garnered from Expression of Interest forms on the
League’s first ever website, launched as recently
as May 2013.
“Wahine Maori responding to our online
activity including Facebook clearly demonstrates interest in
the League and membership will see numbers grow
significantly in the 20 – 45 year-old age group. We are
hearing from young mums and professionals who are
discerning, well educated yet motivated to connect to the
League because it was a very important part of their mums,
aunties or grandmother’s lives,” explains
Reynolds.
She also believes renewed interest in the
League is “inspiring change amongst existing
members, many of whom are proactively celebrating having
younger women at their side.”
Registering to be part of
the International Women’s Day forum means activities in
recognition of International Women’s Day will see any
local MWWL events hosted by regions listed and posted
alongside other events around the world.
“A League
breakfast hosted in Te Atatu this Saturday will have its
details posted on the IWD website alongside events taking
place across the world. The League’s backyard just
got a whole lot bigger, and we know this is both
inspirational and affecting change,“ says
Reynolds.
ENDS
International Women’s
Day
International Women’s Day has been
observed since the early 1900’s. A time when women’s
oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more
vocal and active in campaigning for change.
IWD is
now an official holiday in several countries but in China
and Nepal, the holiday is for women only.
In some
countries, IWD has the equivalent status of Mother’s
Day.
The new millennium has witnessed a significant
change and attitudinal shift in both women’s and society’s
thoughts about women’s equality and
emancipation.
Annually on 8 March, thousands of
events are held throughout the world to inspire women and
celebrate
achievements.