In the last few months, NCW Manawatu has continued the pattern of bimonthly speakers.

In May, Fatima Junaid, a branch member, spoke about "Mechanisms to support migrant women entrepreneurs' wellbeing.’" Fatima outlined the need for confidence and resilience to combat aspects from misnaming to company access to jobs which fulfil diversity requirements with little desire to recognise culture or value systems. Women entrepreneurs survive through key support groups, creating their own networks and creating emotional boundaries against naysayers. Fatima concluded with the reminder that acceptance of ethnic and cultural diversity, creates the synergy for a more harmonious society.

In July, Martin Bassett delivered a riveting overview of the history of Israel, its beginnings with the emergence of Zionism, to the British and French involvement in the Middle East, to world wars and the present crisis. He presented the reality of Israel as a consequence of the continued persecution of Jews in different countries, power struggles between world blocs and greed for resources.

In September, the branch joined with the Whanganui branch to celebrate Suffrage Day. See more on this at https://www.ncwnz.org.nz/celebrating_suffrage_middle_north_island. We look forward to hosting our NCW neighbours at future Suffrage Day events.

To read more articles from The Circular (September-October 2025) issue 654, click on the tag below.