The Indian Weekender

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8 NEW ZEALAND Friday, 12 August, 2022 Read online www.iwk.co.nz Period poverty widespread in NZ VENU MENON It may come as a surprise to many that New Zealand is among the list of countries that are experiencing period poverty. Period poverty is defined as the lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, toilets, hand washing facilities and waste management. Every day, girls and women around the world miss school or work because they are unable to manage their periods, studies indicated. A recent Otago University study estimated that 94,788 girls between the ages of 9 and 18 may not be able to afford period products in NZ, and may be staying home during their periods, as a result. Shuari Naidoo, a student at Victoria University in Wellington, as well as the CEO and founder of Moraka Menstrual Cups, saw herself as a period activist on a mission to counteract period poverty in NZ, by creating affordable and sustainable period products. “We should strive towards ending period poverty in society and making sure that people have access to period products, but also improving our relationship with periods,” Naidoo told the Indian Weekender. Naidoo said one in five New Zealanders had experienced period poverty. The rate was higher for Maori and Pasifika populations, with 60 per cent of Maori youth having experienced period poverty, according to Naidoo. Naidoo described period poverty as a Shuari Naidoo “silent issue” that people didn’t want to be seen to be struggling with. The problem was not limited to pockets of society, but occurred across communities, Naidoo noted. “It affects Maori, Pasifika, Pakeha, Asian, immigrant, people from refugee backgrounds. And it primarily affects people on middle to lower incomes.” Naidoo believed period poverty was driven by a combination of factors, such as income, “meaning one can’t afford the monthly burden of buying pads and tampons”, and also the stigma associated with periods. Issues that affect women or subjects that are pertinent to women were often THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL Cookies and Cream Gateau OFFER VALID : 01/08/2022~31/08/2022 [ $68 NOW $62 ] www.gateauhouse.co.nz Call Now 274 7744 Albany / Botany / Glenfield / Henderson / Mt Eden / Newmarket / Queen St / Stonefields stigmatised, Naidoo contended. Naidoo’s company is based in NZ and usually trades with universities, NGOs and direct-to-consumer markets in NZ. “But we are definitely looking to Australia in the near future.” Naidoo started Moraka Menstrual Cups when she was 16 years old, under the Young Enterprise Scheme. She was inspired by her mother who wanted to start a menstrual cup business but didn’t feel the time was right. Then, in 2012, she had a conversation about it with Naidoo. The company came to fruition in 2019. We should strive towards ending period poverty in society and making sure that people have access to period products, but also improving our relationship with periods. It affects Maori, Pasifika, Pakeha, Asian, immigrant, people from refugee backgrounds. And it primarily affects people on middle to lower incomes." How viable is her product as compared to other period products? “We try to make our cups as affordable as possible. The average menstrual cups cost around $ 30 to $ 90, which is unaffordable for people of middle to lower incomes. Buying pads and tampons monthly can be a financial burden for people.” But Naidoo conceded the average cost of menstrual cups was still high. So, her strategy was to “get people through the door” by pricing her product at an “affordable cost.” Moraka’s menstrual cups, that Naidoo claimed were made from “100 per cent medical grade silicone,” cost $22 a piece. That still presented a conundrum for buyers accustomed to cost-effective alternatives. But Naidoo argued menstrual cups eliminated the cost of buying monthly pads and tampons and allowed people to access period products instead. “You’re able to go about your everyday life without having to pay for pads and tampons. "Furthermore, menstrual cups lasted 10 years. So that’s 10 years’ worth of period products in just one cup.” That was a debate for the market to resolve. Meanwhile, Naidoo remained firm that “the period equity movement would only get bigger.” Indian retailers raise concern on ram-raids, rising crime SANDEEP SINGH Ne w Zealand Indian B u s i n e s s Association (NZIBA) – an association of Indian retailers – has expressed concerns about the unabated rise in crime and ram raids along with the government’s perceived “soft on crime approach.” A general meeting was held by the members of the association on August 8 in South Auckland to share the concerns around the safety of retailers, their staff and customers, where a consensus emerged that the government was not doing enough to curb retail crime. Speaking with the Indian Weekender Chairperson of NZIBA, Davinder Rahal, said, “The members present in the meeting denounced the steps taken by the government so far which they feel would not result in any productive outcome.” “We strongly believe that there is a serious need for judicial review, with a focus on how to make laws harsher for the serious crime perpetrators,” Mr Rahal said. Jaspreet S. Kandhari, General Secretary NZ Indian Business Association, said, “The ethnic businesses in particular, which become the main target and victims, have started to feel that that the government has been largely lackadaisical in dealing with this issue.” Need to provide more support to victims of retail-crime The retailer association also expressed the view that there was an urgent need for a more collaborative approach to delivering post-crime relief to the victims of retail crime, who are largely left on their own to deal with the cost of invasion at their workplaces. • Continued on Page 9
Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 12 August, 2022 NEW ZEALAND 9 Connecting ethnicities through dance NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH Auckland is all set to witness a multicultural dance extravaganza as the Nepalese Cultural Centre New Zealand Inc (NCCNZ) is hosting its sixth multi-ethnic dance festival. The free event, which will take place on September 24’ 2022, at Victory Convention Centre, will witness dances from 48 ethnic groups from 29 countries of origin. Participants will perform unique cultural dances and share glimpses of their culture. This year’s lineup includes participants from countries in the Middle East, Africa, Pacific, Asia and Europe showcasing their talent. Talking about the same, Kamal Prasad Shrestha, President, NCCNZ, said, “Our organisation was established in 2008 to provide and promote Nepalese culture to the wider community. "During the past 14 years, we have organised many events that have helped Kiwis learn about the Nepalese culture and provided opportunities to all ethnic groups to promote their culture. "We also aim to help communities in New Zealand understand each other’s culture and traditions. And that’s the inspiration behind having an annual multi-ethnic dance festival, which began in 2016. The event aims to demonstrate the multicultural atmosphere of New Zealand.” On being asked, what is unique about this year’s event, Shrestha said, “The speciality of the event is many more ethnic communities are participating to showcase their culture. We will see participation from Indonesia, Bulgaria and Japan for the first time. "We are making all the effort to make them more effective by including glimpse films for all countries of origin and synopsis of the songs.” Shrestha further revealed that “Unity in diversity” is the festival’s theme, and the past five festivals have seen participation from 56 ethnic groups from 39 countries of origin. “New Zealand is the most ethnically diverse country in the world. It is therefore important to maintain its ethnic diversities and such festivals are very important,” points out Shrestha. The fifth multi-ethnic dance festival was organised on November 25 2020. There will also be many food stalls in the venue selling a variety of cuisine. There will also be stalls selling artefacts and souvenirs from various regions of the world, among many others. On a parting note, Shrestha said, “The simple idea of getting every ethnic community on a common platform has grown leaps and bounds, and I hope the support we get continues.” What: 6th multi-ethnic dance festival Where: Victory Convention Centre, 98 Beaumont Street, Freemans Bay East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010 When: September 24, 2022 Entry fee: Free event with more than 300 free car parks available. • Continued from Page 8 “The members were of the opinion that there is a need to adopt a long-term strategy and short-term approach to provide immediate support and relief to the victims who are facing the financial brunt besides undergoing mental trauma and living under constant fear on a daily basis,” Mr Rahal said. The association has decided to take up a number of steps in the coming days, which will include meetings with the Police authorities and political members, submitting a memorandum, and, if required, holding a peaceful protest or march to raise the voice and express displeasure of the community affected at large. The meeting was attended by S. Ajit Singh Randhawa (Advisory Board member), Roshni Chadha (President), Navtej Randhawa (Spokesperson), Jaspreet Kandhari (Gen Secretary), Arjit Dubey (Jt Secretary), Gurpreet Kandola (Treasurer) and Navjot Chadha (Asst Treasurer), apart from several other members. Hardeep Singh from Christchurch also joined the meeting virtually to express his concern and share his ideas on how to raise the issue collectively. Export Quality | Non-Halal | Grass-Fed | Additive Free 100% Southern Lamb and Beef From our farms to your family Familyfood.farm is a group of Southern farming families who are passionate about providing export quality, non-halal meat at aordable prices. If you want the best meat for your family, order online today! www.familyfood.farm
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