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Directory of Muslim Women's organisations in New Zealand

Report produced for: Office of Ethnic Affairs

By Jamila Homayun

May 2009

Introduction

Women’s groups worldwide have pioneered initiatives ranging from programmes for peace to micro-credit successes in their communities. In New Zealand the achievements are just as amazing and, as this directory demonstrates, Muslim Women’s groups play a particularly important role in the community. Covering Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington this directory details the many activities run by Muslim Women’s organisations around the country, making this a highly useful resource both within the community and for those working with Muslim Women. In a largely voluntary sector many women took time out of their busy days to contribute to the development of this directory. A very big thank you goes out to all of them, without whose support this directory would not have been possible.

This directory provides a listing of Muslim Women’s organisations and also some organisation not strictly run by Muslim Women but whose client base is strongly that. For greater clarity those organisations listed that are Muslim Women specific will be denoted by a ) and those who are not strictly Muslim Women based will be denoted with a ))

Detailed listing of organisations by region

Auckland

Al Farook Centre )

At Taqwa Women’s group )

Baitul-Ilm Trust, the Baitul-Ilm Playgroup & Women’s Group )

Convert Connect (run through Fatima Foundation) )

Dannemora Women’s Group )

Fatima Foundation )

Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand (IWCNZ)

Muslim Women’s Wellbeing Group )

Muslimah Sports Association )

Pakuranga Centre Muslim Women’s Group )

Ranui Masjid Women’s Group )

Rasheed Memorial Dawah Trust (RMDT) ))

South Auckland Muslim Association (SAMA) – Mosque Ladies Group )

Umma Trust )

Women’s Empowerment Foundation “The Trust” ))

Working Together Group (WTG) ))

Young Muslim Women’s Association (YMWA) )

Christchurch

An-Nur Childcare Centre ))

Muslim Association Canterbury – Women’s Coordinator )

Muslim Women’s Group at the Al-Noor Mosque )

Nawawi Centre ))

Refugee Women’s Day ))

Women’s programmes run through Hagley Community College ))

Wellington

International Muslim Association of New Zealand (IMAN) ))

Muslim Students Association of Victoria University(MSVUW) ))

Rayhaan ))

Directory by type

Local Mosque Women’s Groups

Local Women’s Groups in Mosques around the country provide strong support networks to their local community. From running fundraising events to collecting for food banks and coordinating children’s holiday programmes they are busy year round. They are supported by the Islamic Council of Women NZ (ICWNZ) whose role it is to provide support and information to Women’s Groups in Mosques around New Zealand. Below is a list of local Mosque Women’s groups. If your group is new, or has not been noted below please contact the Office of Ethnic Affairs.



Social Services

Some Organisations in this Directory have begun to fill the gap in the sector by delivering social services from an Islamic perspecitve. From social work to micro-credit, the work of these strong female headed organisations seems unending. Projects and services that are run by the community themselves are often the most responsive and effective in delivering social services as many of these organisations regularly demonstrate.



Non-Segregated Groups

Although the majority of the groups included in this Directory are Women only some organisations that run on a principle of non-segregation have also been included. All three sister organisations of RMDT, Nawawi Centre and Rayhann do not segregate the seminars and activities they run. Courses on Women’s empowerment are open to men as well, acknowledging that all issues require all members of a community to be participants. This Directory lists both segregated and non-segregated groups acknowledging Muslim women have a right to choose whichever option is preferable to them and their community.



Health and Fitness Groups

The provision of sensitive and appropriate facilities for Muslim Women to be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle is an important issue. Many groups across the country provide a variety of options ranging from Swimming, to Tae Bo, that assist Muslim women in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.