It is a 12-week programme designed to provide women from diverse ethnic backgrounds with the skills, knowledge, tools and confidence to build meaningful connections and thrive in the workplace.

Throughout the programme, participants will engage in practical and interactive workshops and activities, which will enhance their skills, expand their network, and gain valuable insights to succeed in professional environments.

The programme is suitable for women from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including:

• Students who are about to enter the workforce, e.g., tertiary, MA, and PhD students

• Women from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds.

• Mothers reentering the workforce.

The programme will cover:

• Building Connections and Networking: Learn effective strategies to expand your professional networks.

• Leadership and Communication Skills: Workshops will focus on enhancing leadership and communication skills.

• Identifying personal strengths: Identify your unique strengths and how to leverage them in a professional setting.

• Understand the challenges of having intersectional identities: Learn how to navigate these challenges to foster a sense of belonging and thrive in the workplace.

• Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori Culture: Learn about Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the importance of understanding and respecting Māori culture, will be presented by a guest speaker.

• Employee Rights and Support: Learn about your rights as an employee and where to find support.

Benefits of the Rahma - Connect, Belong and Thrive in the Workplace Programme:

• Join a cohort of women from diverse ethnic backgrounds and become part of a supportive community where you can connect with peers, share knowledge and develop professional relationships.

• Participate in 6 x 2-hour practical and interactive online workshops that will provide you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to connect, network and thrive.

• Paired with a buddy throughout the programme to connect, support, and learn from one another.

• Learn from two inspiring guest speakers who will share valuable insights from their experiences in various sectors.

• Access a private online platform for your cohort to exchange knowledge and experiences.

By the end of the programme, you will have gained valuable knowledge, tools, and insights, as well as become part of a supportive community that will assist you in effectively navigating the workplace. The programme is designed to enhance your skills and equip you with the resources needed to thrive in your career.

Upcoming Programme: Starts Thursday 17 July 2025 6:30pm to 8:30pm (NZDT) (Fortnightly online workshops)

Cost: NZD $1495 (50% Discount for students and instalment options available)

To register: Please visit the Registration Page

Customisation for organisations: The programme can be tailored to your organisation’s needs and delivered in-house.

For more information, please contact us.

Facilitators

Dr. Hend Zaki - Founder and Lead Facilitator Dr Zaki has over 15 years of professional experience and is dedicated to supporting and uplifting women from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Her journey as an international student, researcher, employee, and new migrant has given her a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities existing for women from diverse ethnic backgrounds, migrants and Muslims. She is the founder of the Women of Colour in the Public Sector Network (WOCPSN) and Rahma Sisters, which are safe spaces for women with intersectional identities to connect, support one another and thrive. As a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) accredited professional, she specialises in issues of intersectionality, identity, and belonging. To find out more about her, please visit our about page.

Photo Credit: Pamela Fleming

Dr. Fatima Junaid - Facilitator and Senior Lecturer, School of Management, Massey University Dr. Junaid is an experienced consultant and educator with over a decade of experience in the public and private sectors. She specialises in organisational behaviour and HR. Her work focuses on wellbeing and stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mental health, and psychosocial risks at work. Her current research projects include migrant and refugee wellbeing, women's exclusion and marginalisation, PTSD and its outcomes in the organisational context, and health and safety and psychosocial risks in New Zealand in the wake of COVID-19. Dr. Junaid publishes in both academic journals and non-academic media.

Niyaaz Sayed - Coach, Purpose Finder & Strategist Niyaaz has over 25 years’ experience in the areas of leadership, People strategy, workforce planning, data analysis and customer care. He served in the New Zealand Public Service for 20 of those years where, through his role as an in-house organisational coach and as a people leader, he has empowered individuals and teams to uncover their purpose, play to their strengths, and stay true to their values. Faith is an integral part of Niyaaz’s approach – not as something to impose but as something to honour. He is especially passionate about working with clients who have experienced change, emigration, relationship breakups, self-doubt, or a struggle with self-worth – helping them navigate these challenges while staying true to themselves.

Guest Speaker

Dr Hanlie Booysen is a multifaceted professional with a rich background in diplomacy, academia, and public service. Currently, she serves as a public servant in Wellington, where she works to foster better Māori Crown relations. Her career spans two continents and encompasses diverse roles in government and academia. In her former career as a South African diplomat, Dr Booysen served in Jordan, Palestine, and Syria. Her academic pursuits led her to obtain a PhD in Religious Studies from Victoria University of Wellington/Te Herenga Waka. Dr Booysen is also a founding member of the Middle East and Islamic Studies Aotearoa (MEISA) network. Dr Booysen's unique combination of diplomatic experience, academic expertise, and public service allows her to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical insights. Her work contributes to a better understanding and engagement between different cultures and communities.