Celebrating International Women's Day: Reflecting on Progress and Continuing the Fight

As we celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th, 2024, it's essential to reflect on the journey of women's rights and the ongoing struggle for equality. As Gloria Steinem aptly put it, "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."

One significant milestone in this journey occurred on September 19, 1893, when Aotearoa became the first self-governing nation in the world where women won the right to vote. Wāhine Māori were at the forefront of the suffragist movement, highlighting the importance of diverse voices in the fight for equality.

However, despite progress, discrimination persists based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. Lesbian, bisexual, trans, and intersex women and gender non-conforming individuals face violence, exclusion, harassment, and discrimination in many parts of the world. International Women's Day serves as a reminder of the need to address these injustices and ensure that all women can live free from fear and discrimination.

At the heart of the struggle for women's rights lies feminism, the belief that women are entitled to political, economic, and social equality. Frida Kahlo's (one of my personal favs!!!!!) words resonate deeply: "I want freedom for the full expression of my personality." Women should not be constrained by societal norms or expectations but should have the freedom to be their authentic selves.

Fundamental human rights, including the right to live free from violence and discrimination, access education, own property, vote, and earn equal wages, must be upheld for all individuals regardless of gender. The fight for women's suffrage in the 19th and early 20th centuries laid the groundwork for these rights, leading to significant advancements such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (1979).

The United Nations recognizes that gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are not only moral imperatives but also crucial for sustainable development, economic growth, peace, and security. Research consistently demonstrates that societies thrive when women's rights are upheld and taken seriously.

As we commemorate International Women's Day, let us honor the achievements of those who came before us and recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for gender equality. Together, through collective efforts and solidarity, we can create a world where all women are treated with dignity, respect, and equality.

Happy International Women's Day!

A Big Thank You to Our Amazing Donors, A special shout out to Mr Paul Charles Blackman!

First off, we want to shout out a huge thank you to all our wonderful donors who have been supporting us along the way. Your generosity is what keeps us going, and we couldn't do it without you.

I have a special mention to someone, Mr Paul Charles Blackman. Paul, you are an absolute legend! Your donation of some amazing new furniture for our Otago Uni Law Students various initiatives and annual auction fundraising, and our new whare has been amazing and is going to make such a difference, and we're all so grateful for your support.

It's moments like these that remind us how incredible our community is. When people like Paul step up and show their generosity, it not only helps us advocate for the goals of the whānau who reach out to us but continues to support the overall mahi, aroha and care we can provide within our 24/7 safe houses. Our safe houses exist for the sole reason of safety from violence, for those who are experiencing imminent intimate partner violence (IPV) and for our tamariki. So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Paul, and thank you to all our donors who make what we do possible.

Please continue to support our vital mahi and reach out to us with any ideas for fundraising or to support us in other ways, and we'll keep working hard to make a positive impact on the our community and those around us.

With appreciation and kindness Thank you.

WE HAVE MOVED: to contact us please email community@odwr.nz or phone 03-466 3220

Although we are not able to meet in our new space yet (due to building work) I want to reach out to update you all:

As we embark on this new phase, I'm reminded of the whakatauki: "Ēhara tāku toa i te toa takatahi, engari he toa takitini." Our strength stems not from individual prowess, but from the collective efforts of many. Indeed, it has taken a village to breathe life into our vision!!!!

Moving premises is never easy, but amidst the challenges, the team and my motivation remains unwavering: we have listened to our community, our whānau voices as we have taken this step to develop a therapeutic hub of safety, hope and healing for those in our community experiencing current or historic intimate partner violence (IPV) for our tamariki – children, rangatahi – adolescents, our wāhine, and our community.

We have embarked on this remarkable journey—a journey of moving and yes, all the ‘normal’ whirlwind challenges this brings, the boxes, shelving, you name it is everywhere, but it will slowly evolve into a fabulous space! lol!!!! A time filled with smiles, some giggles, some of frustration (or possibly a lot!) but above all with aroha and an openness for moving forward.

This new space is a testament to continued commitment to creating a therapeutic environment of safety and healing, we are laying the foundation for a space that nurtures leanings, wellbeing in mind, body and wairau - spirit.

One of the most exciting aspects of our new location is the development of our therapeutic garden space. We have begun, albeit slowly by planting two kowhai trees—a symbol of the of the refuge movement. These trees stand as a tribute to the aroha and strength of the wāhine who have paved the way for us as we now move forward.

Reflecting on the past 3.5 years of my role I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to lead this transformative journey. It's been a path of change, with invaluable lessons, always moving forward in a space of positive growth.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of the team who continue to embrace our vision, our practicably perfect governance board of trustees 😊, and our fabulous community who continue to support us, through donations, or the wonderful GBB dropping of the beautiful baked treats, the incredible uni law students, our current crisis line volunteers, and to all of you offering their valuable time, and who extend their supports.

I invite everyone to join us on this journey as we continue to evolve and expand, and if you are interested in volunteering or know someone who is, to support our crisis line or contribute in various other ways, in lending a hand, please reach out to us at community@odwr.nz.

Together, let's cultivate a community where learning, healing, and resilience, flourish.

Ngā mihi.