Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand
Introduction:
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The Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand (IWCNZ) was formed in January 1991 in Wellington where the first Annual National Islamic Women's Conference was held. Founding members include Sisters Rehanna Ali, Anjum Rahman, Leila Adam, Nasreen Hannif, Aunty Ayesha Shariff and Aunty Qamar Rahman. The constitution of IWCNZ recognises all Muslim women in New Zealand as members of the Islamic Women's Council and each region nominates representatives to serve on the Executive Committee of the Islamic Women's Council. As an affiliate of FIANZ the IWCNZ provides representation for Muslim women, and girls, on FIANZ's governing Council. |
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The mission statement of IWCNZ is as follows:
To always endeavour to coordinate and develop various activities to provide help, advice and assistance to all Muslim sisters keeping in mind the Qur'an and the Sunnah of our Prophet Mohammed (Peace be Upon Him).
Objectives:
The objectives of the Islamic Women's Council are defined as:
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Organise conferences and symposiums to incorporate the promotion of Islam including Women's Conferences, Youth Camps, Educational programmes, Islamic Quizzes, Qur'an Reading Competitions at local and national levels. Support Muslim women who need help. Coordinate and develop various sporting activities for Muslim women and youth at local and national levels. Liaise with Women's groups on an national/international level. Receive information relating to the needs of its members at a local level. Disseminate information of religious or organisational nature that is relevant to its members. Present to FIANZ Council the views and needs of its members. Enhance unity amongst all sectors of the Muslim Ummah in New Zealand. The Council will represent all ethnic groups in a national level and will strive to reflect ethnic and age diversity. To advance and inform the interests of Muslim women in New Zealand on a National and International level.
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2009 IWCNZ National Conference:
Since inauguration IWCNZ Conference's have been held annually rotating through the main centres of Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Palmerston North and Wellington.
The 2009 was held in Auckland at the Zayed College for Girls from 20 - 22 February. The theme of the Conference was "Our Neighbourhood" and covered topics from the Qur'an and Sunnah. The highlight of the weekend was the Islamic Quiz that proved to be a learning curve for most attendees.
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Scheduled sessions and presentations included the following:
The Concept of Community In Islam. Muslims in Aotearoa. Lifestyle and Sunnah. Islamic Fiqh in the New Zealand Environment (Including New Zealand & Islamic law.) Living Islam in Aotearoa. Faith and Interfaith. A Child's Journey. Elders in Our Community. Youth Parenting. Different Ways of Wearing Hijab. Embracing Islam - Personal Experiences and presentations from Al Madinah School and Pre-school Education groups. Community Focus. Community Wellbeing. Women's Health - Preventative Measures.
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MP Annette King addressing IWCNZ Conference.
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During the Community Focus session Sister Noelene van de Lisdonk spoke on Project Wellbeing, Sister Asma Bashir on Working Towards Unity, Sister Shamima Hafiz spoke about Ummah Trust and Dr Shafia Akhter from the Women's Empowerment Foundation spoke on Preventing Violence. The Islamic Fiqh in New Zealand included presentations on Marriage and Divorce and Education.
In addition to the above there were presentations from AMGA , West Auckland Girls' Group, the Ummah Trust and the Converts' Group among others.
Two hundred and fifty sisters enjoyed a weekend of spiritual enrichment interspersed with social and recreation breaks of nasheed , swimming and other recreational activities. The next Conference will be held in Christchurch in 2010 inshaallah.
Girls addressing IWCNZ Conference 2008.
Other Activities & Projects:
On July 15 2009, IWCNZ Auckland Branch members, along with representatives of various Muslim community groups and associations, are scheduled to meet at the Auckland Office of Ethnic Affairs to discuss with the Minister of Ethnic Affairs their groups' contribution to the community followed by a wide ranging discussion including an exploration of funding opportunities in the current challenging economic climate.
Auckland sisters were engaged with Project Wellbeing - a project focused on women's response to family violence. After several weeks of Project Wellbeing training the attendees felt well informed as to the services and agencies available to support victims of family violence. The sisters agreed upon the importance of strengthening and supporting the work of the Ummah Trust and Fatima Foundation by referring Muslim victims of family violence to them.
IWCNZ has also been active in organising and promoting Health and Fitness activities. There are now three major swimming and fitness facilities available in Auckland and Wellington that are either exclusively for Muslim sisters or offer Women's only sessions, which are appropriate for Muslims sisters. IWCNZ members are making good use of these facilities.
Other activities and projects IWCNZ have participated in, or initiated, include Community Support Development Training and Women's Strategic Planning Workshop among others.
Office Holders:
National Coordinator - Nasreen Hannif Assistant National Coordinator - Rehanna Ali Second Assistant Coordinator - Shamima Hafiz Treasurer - Nisha Hussein
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Eid Celebrations at Parliament
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