A movement helping every woman to thrive.
Addressing gender inequality is critical to ensuring a better, safer world for everyone. Research and experience tells us that when you lift women and girls, they, in turn, lift their children, families and communities.
The first country to give women the right to vote, New Zealand was ahead of the game when pursuing gender equality. However, both globally and locally, we know we still have a long way to go. By helping women to know their rights, achieve job and economic security, and ensure they can determine the course of their lives, we are taking small steps towards achieving gender equality in New Zealand.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Hutt Valley based organisation, Women of Worth, who are doing just that.
Empowerment through worth
For Women of Worth (WOW), empowerment starts by knowing your worth. Chair of the Board, Mid Thomas-Savelio says, "many women, because of life situations, traumas or other reasons, don't have a fundamental understanding of their own worth. It's when they are able to unlock this and discover their own strengths that they can see positive changes in their lives."
Started in 2015, Women of Worth runs several 10-week peer support programmes, all built on a foundation of worth and strength. Every session is tailored and guided by the unique challenges of each group. Mid says "each woman that comes to our programmes has their own story, challenges, and strengths. We help them to navigate these and determine the course of their future."
Women of Worth Chair of the Board, Mid Thomas-Savelio.
The outcomes for each participant are also unique, depending on the challenges they are facing. "We work with them to develop a tailored plan," says Mid, "this includes a range of wrap-around support such as budgeting, meal-planning, and parenting."
It is Women of Worth's belief that through empowerment of the individual, they can create a ripple effect for sustained change in the community. Mid says, "when we lift women, they, in turn, lift their children, whānau, and communities."
Nikau Foundation was delighted to support Women of Worth, giving a grant of $2500 to support delivery of Move Up; a resilience-building programme focused on identifying strengths and setting goals for sustainable growth.
Mid says, "the Nikau Foundation grant meant we could continue to deliver WOW programmes at low or no cost to women who are referred to the programme. It helped us to keep our core work going to support women and their families."
For participants, taking part in this programme is invaluable. ‘“I am one of probably many who struggled to see their worth and that life is worth living,” said one Move Up programme participant, “the programme is an absolute success in my life and many others who have made the choice to use the tools and strategies your team have provided. I am extremely grateful for having the opportunity to be part of this selfless organisation and appreciate the support I have been given.”
To find out more about Women of Worth, click here.
