Salaams & Greetings,
My name is Nobia, and I am originally from Pakistan. In 2007, I moved to Aotearoa, New Zealand, and it has been my home for over 15 years. I am a proud mother of three kids and am grateful for the unwavering support of my husband, who works at a local company.
In 2019, I decided to embark on a new journey by joining the New Windsor Community Hub as a volunteer. This experience opened my eyes to the challenges faced by communities in New Zealand, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. It was during this time that I realized the importance of coming together and supporting one another.
Motivated by this realization, I took the initiative to create the New Windsor Muslim group. Through this platform, women could come forward, share their stories, and exchange their skills with one another. The response was overwhelming, which made it evident that there was a need for more inclusive spaces.
In 2020, we organized ladies' and kids' pool sessions, which turned out to be a tremendous success. Encouraged by this, we decided to continue these sessions in 2021 and 2022. However, we wanted to expand our reach further. In 2023, we collaborated with Muslim organizations and partnered with Community Waitakere to hire three pools exclusively for women. This endeavour proved to be a massive achievement, as it brought together women from different backgrounds and fostered a strong sense of community.
Another significant milestone in my journey was joining the Whau Ethnic Collective as a member. This experience allowed me to connect with individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds and actively participate in celebrating various cultural traditions. Eventually, I was honoured to be appointed as the coordinator, which has provided me with even greater opportunities to promote cultural diversity and appreciation within our community.
I am grateful for the chance to contribute to the betterment of society and to be surrounded by such a vibrant and inclusive community. I firmly believe that by embracing our differences, we can create a more harmonious and united society.
Nobia Fawad.