Muslims at Work in New Zealand summit at AUT University
AUT University hosted a summit addressing Muslims at work on 1 April.
Covened by AUT University Professor of Diversity Edwina Pio, the summit attracted HR professionals, managers in organisations, public sector leaders and community stakeholders interested in improving their understanding of, and provision for, the growing Muslim workforce in New Zealand.
Dr Jackie Blue, New Zealand’s Equal Employment Commissioner opened the summit by speaking on how organisations can seek to incorporate religion in their workplaces. Other speakers included Kevin Jenkins, managing director of MartinJenkins, Sheikh Rafat, the imam at AUT, Anne Lee and Fetiya Mohammed from the Umma Trust, New Zealand’s first ethnic police inspector Rakesh Naidoo, and Mohamud Mohamed Managing Director, Ethnic Perspective Advisory Services.
Topics covered at the summit included the Muslim concept of work, what work success means to Muslims and the experience of Muslim women in the workplace.
Professor Pio said, “The summit aims to dispel myths, shed light on the Islamic culture and create understanding of the diversity within our Muslim workforce.”
There are more than 46,000 Muslims in New Zealand who hail from over 50 countries.
“Muslims in New Zealand have a lot in common but are a very diverse group that crosses the spectrum of socio economic status, skills and education.”
“By sharing information and research we want to encourage delegates to promote understanding and positive change at an individual, organisational and national level.
Race Relations Commissioner, Dame Susan Devoy said that the Human Rights Commission welcomed the discussion on Muslims in the workplace. She said: “This forum provides the chance to discuss important challenges and opportunities. Education and awareness is critical to building a greater understanding for all New Zealanders.”
“The Office of Ethnic Communities works to promote the economic benefits of our ethnically diverse population by identifying and removing barriers to participation and creating conditions conducive to increased participation. We believe people from diverse backgrounds, including Muslims, provide a positive contribution to New Zealand’s multicultural workforce and economy. We applaud AUT for fostering greater social cohesion by convening this summit,” said the Director of the Office of Ethnic Communities Berlinda Chin.
The Summit was supported by the Office of Ethnic Communities, the Human Rights Commission and the NZ Police.