Khawat Network

Khawat, meaning ‘sisters’ in Arabic, is a powerful collective of migrant and refugee women across Aotearoa, united by a shared mission: to elevate and empower our communities. We are driven by the need to challenge the barriers that hold us back and create spaces where multicultural women can thrive both personally and professionally.

In New Zealand, multiethnic women are not only underrepresented in leadership but also face a significant and often overlooked pay gap. While diversity is celebrated, true inclusion and equity remain elusive. At Khawat, we recognize that addressing these challenges requires more than recognition; it demands action, unity, and a reimagining of what empowerment looks like.

Our women wear many hats, balancing careers, families, and cultural expectations. We believe that once we understand ourselves holistically—embracing all aspects of our identity—we unlock our true potential. Equally, it is critical that our allies, partners, and colleagues understand the journeys we walk, the struggles we face, and the strength we carry.

Despite intergenerational trauma, we are born to lead. Some of us are ready to take on leadership roles today, while others may need guidance and support to get there. Khawat exists to bridge that gap, offering a community where women can connect, network, and learn from each other in ways that resonate with our unique experiences. By amplifying our stories, showcasing our talents, and building each other up, we are creating a force that is unstoppable.

Khawat’s vision is anchored in a phased approach that begins with building our sisterhood. We then extend this network to include Akhwan (brothers and partners), recognizing the importance of involving the men in our lives in this journey. Lastly, we bring in Khawat o Umhat (sisters and mothers), acknowledging that a woman’s wellbeing is deeply interconnected with those around her. This holistic framework emphasizes that we do not rise alone—our success is bound to the collective wellbeing of our families and communities.

Khawat is not just a network—it is a movement for change. We provide comprehensive support for multicultural women, focusing on breaking the barriers that limit our access to leadership, equal pay, and decision-making spaces. Our events, workshops, and mentoring programs are designed to help women at every stage of their career journey—from entering the workforce, to refining their leadership skills, to starting their own businesses.

For women already established in their careers, Khawat offers pathways to career advancement and leadership roles. Our networking events bring together women from across sectors, enabling collaboration that strengthens not only individual careers but also the broader community. We aim to reshape the narrative for multicultural women in Aotearoa, ensuring that we are seen, heard, and valued.

Khawat’s strength lies in its ability to weave together the wisdom of our multicultural backgrounds with the guiding principles of Kaupapa Māori and Te Ao Māori. Our approach is anchored in Te Whare Tapa Whā, the holistic wellbeing model created by Sir Mason Durie. This model views wellbeing as a wharenui, or meeting house, with four walls representing spiritual, mental/emotional, physical, and social wellbeing, all grounded by a strong connection to the land.

When all these dimensions are balanced, we flourish. But when one is out of balance, our wellbeing suffers. This model shapes our understanding that true empowerment is holistic—it is not just about career success, but about thriving in every aspect of our lives.

Confronting the Pay and Leadership Gaps
The reality in Aotearoa is stark: as of September 2023, the median hourly earnings for all women are $30.15 compared to $33.00 for men. For European women, the median hourly earnings are $31.50, but for wāhine Māori, Pacific, and Asian women, these disparities are even more alarming. Wāhine Māori earned $28.29, Pacific women earned $28.00, and Asian women earned $29.00.

The causes of these gaps are multifaceted. While some can be traced to differences in occupation or part-time work, 80% of the gap is driven by ‘unexplained’ factors such as unconscious bias and societal norms. Women of color, in particular, are underrepresented in higher-paid roles, despite their qualifications and contributions.

At Khawat, we are committed to dismantling these barriers. We advocate for greater representation, fair pay, and leadership opportunities for all women. We believe in the power of our collective voices and lived experiences. When we come together, we are stronger. And when we are stronger, we can demand the changes we deserve.

Together, we are reshaping the future for multicultural women in Aotearoa, where equity is not just a goal, but a reality. Khawat is not just a sisterhood—it is a Movement, and we are just getting started.