Kia ora koutou, Bonjour à toutes,

Well… here I am, writing this message on my very last day as an intern at the National Council of Women of New Zealand.

I arrived in New Zealand in mid-January, and I’m now heading to New York for a new internship in the field of peacekeeping operations. Thank you all so much for welcoming me here. This internship has been an extraordinary learning experience.

NCWNZ Interns (l-r) Mathilde Jaulin and Amandine Chabrier

I came here wanting to learn more about women’s rights; and I’ve learned far more than I ever could have hoped for. From education (the Relationships and Sexuality Education programme), to health (conversations on menopause in Parliament, the funding of the Cezarette contraceptive pill...), to influence and leadership (Stalking and harassment bill, online safety toolkit..), to international and environmental issues (Women at the Table events on Climate Change, Artificial Intelligence, CEDAW report…), and economic justice (employment remuneration disclosure…); I’ve had the chance to dive into it all.

I came to understand the role of NGOs in political affairs; and I’ve seen it firsthand. From advocacy through submissions, to symbolic and strategic presence at embassy events (British High Commission, French Embassy, Irish Embassy...), from NCWNZ-led initiatives to counterbalance government action (petitions, letters to ministries, public campaigns...) to collaboration efforts (Gender Attitude Survey, International Caucus of Women, roundtables on the Women, Peace and Security agenda); I’ve seen just how hard the NCWNZ, like so many other NGOs, works to defend a cause close to its heart.

I also wanted to learn more about the Pacific: and I did. Living in Aotearoa New Zealand for four months, I discovered an incredibly rich and compelling culture. I’ve grown more curious about the region’s history, the relationships between states, indigenous peoples (including through a meeting with the Australian First Nations High Commissioner), and civil society. Human rights protection and the recognition of minorities have truly shaped the way I’ve seen things here. One thing is for sure: I’ve been deeply impressed by the courage of New Zealanders and their passion for participating in public and political life.

I had the privilege of being here during the wave of submissions against the Treaty of Waitangi Principles Bill, and I was moved by the sheer scale of civic engagement, a powerful form of resistance. I was also here during the current pay equity reform crisis, which shows how even a strong democracy can be challenged depending on the political context. But no matter what, despite the obstacles there is truly nothing that stops you, Kiwi women. Your resilience, creativity, and determination will stay with me forever.

As a young woman aspiring to a diplomatic career, you have only strengthened my hope in the possibility of building a better world ,and deepened my belief that gender equality must be treated as a global priority. Women’s rights are human rights. And I’m committed to continuing this kaupapa, including by putting men and boys on the agenda too. That already starts with the fact that I chose a male professor to supervise my mémoire, a way of bringing a man into this work!

Thank you, truly, for everything. Merci pour tout.
Warmest wishes.

I yield the floor to Mathilde.

Amandine

Hello everyone,

My name is Mathilde Jaulin, and I’ve recently joined the National Council of Women of New Zealand as the new Board Administrator. I’ve come all the way from France and will be with you until the end of September.

I’m currently completing a Master’s degree in Global Politics, and this internship will mark the final step in my programme. I’m really excited to begin this new adventure in New Zealand and to learn more about women’s rights, gender equality, and this part of the world that’s so far from my own. I am also writing a final research paper for my university which will have a particular focus on environmental issues, so I will closely work with the climate action hub on this purpose.

I was lucky to have a handover with Amandine before her big move to New York, and her guidance has been incredibly helpful in getting me started.

Looking forward to working with you all!

Best regards,
Mathilde Jaulin
Board Administrator (new intern)

To read more articles from The Circular (May-June 2025) issue 652, click on the tag below.