Shakti Voices

In this episode, host Ilish speaks with Dr. Shanthi Selvakumar, Chair of Shakti, about her two decades supporting migrant women in Aotearoa. She reflects on her early beginnings in women’s health education, powerful stories of survival, and Shakti’s growth despite funding challenges. Dr. Selvakumar also discusses recent organisational changes, advocacy wins, and the ongoing work to empower women across New Zealand.

Recorded live at Parliament in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington on 22 October, this episode celebrates 30 years of Shakti — an organisation led by ethnic women for ethnic women, dedicated to ending family violence and empowering communities across Aotearoa. Hosted by journalist Melissa Chan-Green, it features kōrero from Amokura Panoho, Hon. Phil Twyford, Dr. Shanti Savakumar and founder Farida Sultana, honouring Shakti’s journey, its fight for justice, and the strength of women who built a movement for change.

This month, Shakti turns 30 — marking three decades of advocacy, resilience, and community-led change. Ilish speaks with founding member Farida Sultana, who shares her journey from survivor to change-maker. She reflects on Shakti’s grassroots beginnings in New Zealand, the cultural and systemic barriers faced, and the need for culturally responsive support. Farida also speaks to the movement’s growth, lives saved, and its legacy now carried forward by former clients turned leaders.

Episode 6 - Hope, Healing, and Community with Dr Mai Tamimi - In this episode, Rob Harley speaks with Dr. Mai Tamimi—Palestinian community leader, academic, and advocate—about her journey from Hebron to Ōtepoti, and her mahi supporting ethnic women and families across Aotearoa. Dr. Tamimi reflects on building networks in a new culture, the challenges migrant women face, and the importance of cultural wellbeing and peer support frameworks. She also shares heartfelt personal reflections on family, identity, and staying hopeful amidst the ongoing violence and genocide in Palestine.

In this episode of Shakti Voices, host ilish speaks with Selina Akhtar—social work educator and long-time Shakti supporter—about her journey from Bangladesh to Aotearoa. Selina reflects on dual identity, culturally responsive practice, and her work empowering migrant women. She shares insights into integrating tikanga Māori into social services, the challenges of shifting community attitudes, and Shakti’s 30-year legacy of change

In this episode of Shakti Voices, we feature a keynote from Hon. Jan Tinetti at Shakti's 2025 AGM. Speaking virtually from Kirikiriroa, Hamilton, Jan addresses the urgent need for pay equity, especially for Māori wāhine and migrant women of colour. She shares personal stories and highlights the impact of the government’s repeal of 33 pay equity claims. Tune in for this inspiring call to action and Shakti’s continued commitment to justice and inclusion.

In this episode of Shakti Voices, host Ilish speaks with Hazel Hape, manager of Tauranga Women’s Refuge, and Rupal Mehta, team leader at Shakti Tauranga. Together, they explore their long-standing partnership supporting women and children impacted by domestic violence in the Tauranga Moana and Bay of Plenty area. From cultural safety and bi-cultural practice to systemic challenges and community resilience, this kōrero highlights the vital, interwoven mahi of women leading change.

In our 2nd Shakti Voices episode, host Illish comes to you from Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, joined by two incredible guests—Jennifer Stephens and Angela Calver from KiwiHarvest. Since 2012, KiwiHarvest has been leading the food rescue movement, fighting waste and feeding whānau in need. We sit down and talk about their inspiring mahi, the challenges they face, and their long-standing support of Shakti Women’s Refuge since 2016, right from the KiwiHarvest HQ!

In this first episode, we introduce Shakti as an organisation, starting from its roots in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and expanding across Te Waipounamu, the South Island. Host Ilish sits down with founder Farida Sultana and South Island Regional Service Delivery Manager Jeethu Philip to discuss the profound impact of Shakti’s services. Together, they highlight the importance of building connections locally, regionally, and globally, and the organisation’s mission to create lasting change.