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.

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