3 Mar 2023

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Three female speakers who have raised their voices to advocate for equity within their community to tell their stories will speak at an event to mark International Women’s Day.

Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi Trustee and Storyteller Sarah Mankelow said they are privileged to know these powerhouse women and have the chance to share their amazing stories with the wider community.

Sophie is an advocate for the rights of rangatahi youth to be heard. After having her own struggles finding opportunities as a young graduate post-COVID with a disability, she promotes the need for societal change in our attitudes towards young people.

Kerryn is a lawyer whose career has involved a variety of unusual roles, including everything from years as a crown prosecutor to investigating crimes against humanity in Cambodia. She is the only female Queen’s Counsel practicing in Christchurch, and fights social injustice in the courtroom.

Hana supports young migrant women to find their strength and place in their new home country. After experiencing discrimination in New Zealand, she founded Aotearoa Multicultural Women Association for women of marginalised identities to support each other.

Ms Mankelow says that this event for International Women’s Day is a celebration of women’s achievement but also to celebrate this community of humans we have created through storytelling.

“This event is not just for women, but anyone that supports gender equity. If we can come together as humans to share and marvel in our collective experiences and lift each other up, then we all win.”

Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi preserves diverse stories and heritage of Christchurch Ōtautahi and encourages social cohesion and community collaboration. These stories are shared via an exhibition hosted by Tūranga library, which closes on 12 March.

The International Women’s Day event will be held from 6pm – 8pm on Wednesday 8th March at Tūranga library. The evening also includes a musical performance from local Ngai Tūāhuriri artist Yvette Williams, time for kai and korero, then a short workshop from mindset Coach Courtney Reid.

Tickets are available on Humanitix, with one third of the ticket price will go to the Red Cross Relief Fund for those humans impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.