Event Details

Paving the Way: Women of Colour in the Public Sector and the Legacy of Suffrage “Girls can do anything”.

Register: Eventsair

This year, we celebrate the contributions of women of colour in the Public Sector. Women’s Suffrage Day marks the anniversary of women's right to vote and serves as a reminder of the progress made but also the challenges that still exist for women. This event will examine our duty to pave the way for younger generations highlighting our collective responsibility to inspire and empower the next generation of women leaders.

Keynote - Vanisa Dhiru, MNZM JP. Advocate for equity, inclusion and belonging 
Panellist - Alana Fasavalu, Pacific Public Servants Network
Panellist - Sio Talakai-Alatini, Government Women’s Network 
Panellist - Sheetal Samy, Women of Colour in the Public Sector Network

Vanisa Dhiru, MNZM JP. Advocate for equity, inclusion and belonging

One of Aotearoa’s most inspiring advocates for diversity, inclusion and equality, Vanisa Dhiru is an equality champion with a strong sense of social responsibility who has worked in a variety of advocacy roles throughout her career. She has assembled an astonishing collection of skills across leadership, management, marketing, communication and strategy.

Born and raised in Manawatū, she is now based in Wellington. She has served the community through a variety of both paid and volunteer commitments including previously holding the roles of National President of the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ), CEO of Volunteering New Zealand, Executive Director of 20/20 Trust and General Manager with InternetNZ. 

Today, she is a member of the Institute of Directors and the Global BMW Foundation Responsible Leaders Network. She volunteers with the Wellington Interfaith Council and is a Justice of the Peace. Vanisa currently holds commissioner roles with the NZ National Commission of UNESCO and the Library & Information Advisory Commission; trustee roles with the Spark Foundation and He Whenua Taurikura, the National Research Centre for Countering Violent Extremism; and has very recently joined the board of Global Women New Zealand.

Sio Kihe La’a Talakai-‘Alatini, Committee member of the Government Women’s Network and Chairperson for the Ministry for Pacific Peoples Women's Network

Sio Kihe La'a has a strong background in community development, education, and commissioning. With over 5 years in the tertiary sector, she currently serves as a Senior Advisor in the Commissioning and Partnerships Directorate at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples. Her experience in community and education has shaped her perspectives and provided a strong foundation for empowerment. Sio Kihe La’a is an active member of Pasifika Incorporated, a non-governmental organisation supporting Pacific women in New Zealand since 1976. She is committed to addressing gender issues in the public sector and is dedicated to helping women in government roles reach their full potential. As a committee member of the Government Women’s Network and Chairperson for the Ministry for Pacific Peoples Women's Network, Sio Kihe La’a focuses on tackling gender challenges, advocates for the use of Pacific worldviews, and champions the unique challenges Pacific women encounter in the public sector. Outside her professional life, she is a mother of five beautiful girls, a wife to her supportive and loving husband, and a proud daughter of the Pacific.

Senior Advisor, Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention, Ministry of Social Development

Sheetal Samy has been working in the prevention of family violence and sexual violence space in government for five years. Sheetal has a passion for better outcomes for community. Being born and raised in the flavourful streets of South Auckland, community has a strong place in her heart. Sheetal has connections to South India, Fiji, and Malaysia, and speaks Hindi and English. Sheetal's motto is carpe diem: seize the day and make the most of the present time. She likes listening to music whilst doing arts and crafts, and interior design.

Alana Fasavalu, Current co-chair of the cross agency Pacific Public Servants Network

Alana Fasavalu is of Samoan and Palagi descent and is a proud daughter, sister, wife and mother of two daughters. She is also the current co-chair of the cross agency Pacific Public Servants Network. With a Law degree and Arts in Communication degree, Alana has had a broad range of professional and community experience in law, policy, higher education and diversity, equity and inclusion in both Australia and Aotearoa. Alana grew up between Western Sydney and Wellington and is driven by a commitment to amplifying communities’ voices, contributing to change and empowering others. In all parts of her life, she is guided by her commitment to the values of fairness, justice, diversity, equity and inclusion.

This event will be facilitated by Afnan Al-Rubayee and Rizwaana Latiff of the Women of Colour Network. 

Afnan Al-Rubayee - Senior Advisor, Refugee & Migrant Support, INZ | MBIE
Afnan Al-Rubayee is a dedicated community advocate with her work focused in the refugee and migrant, ethnic community space. A woman of many roles, embodying strength as a woman of colour, a public servant, a mother, a student, a founder, a mentor, a former local council candidate, and a tireless advocate for her communities in an advisory and consultancy capacity. She began her working life at the age of 15, gaining valuable experience in both the private and public sectors, which laid the foundation for her skills and ambitions.
Empowering women and youth from former refugee and migrant backgrounds has become Afnan's mission. She strives to change the narrative surrounding refugees and ethnic communities through her mahi.