In 2024, Graduate Women New Zealand (GWNZ) expressed our strong support for the petition launched by the Coalition for the Safety of Women and Children and Anti-Violence Action, calling for stalking to be made illegal in Aotearoa New Zealand. This action is driven by the recognition of the serious harm and fear that stalking imposes, predominantly on women.
GWNZ stands firmly behind all women in Aotearoa New Zealand, including politicians, advocating for their right to live confidently and free from the fear of stalking. Making stalking a crime, as it already is in the EU, UK, US, and Australia, will serve as a deterrent, ensuring that law enforcement receives better training and can offer stronger protection to those affected.
As ActionStation highlighted alongside the petition:
"The focus on punitive measures in our justice system routinely causes harm, especially to Māori and Pacific whānau. However, we understand that people are experiencing violence in the here and now and need specific protections."
Beyond the public petition, GWNZ also signed an open letter directed to the Minister of Justice, published on 20 May 2024, alongside 52 other organisations advocating for this critical legislative change. To read more, select the button below.
We also attended the first National Council of Women (NCW) Education Hub meeting for 2025 and discussed key challenges facing women and girls that we might work on together. These included issues such as funding for teacher’s aides in schools, cyberbullying and online harassment, and the review of the Relationship and Sexuality Education curriculum.
In addition, we explored how gender disparities in STEM education continue to impact young women and how we can advocate for stronger support structures to encourage more girls to pursue STEM careers. We also discussed the role of inclusive education policies in fostering safe and equitable learning environments for all students.
More information about which of these issues GWNZ will work on collaboratively with NCW will be announced in future newsletters.
If you would like GWNZ to contribute to a submission on an important issue, please contact the Advocacy Group at advocacy@gwnz.org.nz.
He māia mātou mō ngā mana o te wahine. Ko ā mātou mahi he hihiri ki te whakarerekē.
We are champions for women’s rights. The work we do is an influential force for change.
Ngā manaakitanga,
GWNZ Advocacy Working Group
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