Empower Women: Support Kia Haumaru Self-Defence Course with Funding
Kia Haumaru – Personal Safety Education, formerly known as the Women’s Self Defence Network – Wāhine Toa, faces a crisis with impending funding cuts that threaten the continuation of their critical self-defence education programme. Established nearly 40 years ago, this programme has been instrumental in empowering around 17,000 kōtiro and wāhine annually through 700 courses, teaching essential safety skills to protect themselves and their communities.
Funding Cuts Endanger Vital Safety Programme
The imminent cessation of funding from Oranga Tamariki in April jeopardizes the future of Kia Haumaru, leaving thousands of girls and women without access to life-saving knowledge and resources. The loss of financial support puts at risk the expertise of over 30 highly trained kaiako and essential office staff members, threatening the safety and well-being of women and girls across the nation. Despite the immense impact of their work, Oranga Tamariki cited misalignment with their core business priorities as the reason for discontinuing funding.
Personal Stories Highlight Programme’s Value
Sue Lytollis, the visionary behind Kia Haumaru, recalls the program’s inception in 1979 amid societal reluctance to acknowledge issues of rape and harassment. She emphasizes the profound impact the course has had on countless women, preventing trauma and saving resources for support services. Testimonials from educators and former students further underscore the transformative effect of Kia Haumaru’s curriculum, instilling confidence, self-worth, and crucial self-defence skills in vulnerable populations.
Resilience and Community Support
Despite the funding setback, Kia Haumaru remains resolute in its commitment to empowering women and girls. Exploring alternative funding avenues and rallying community support, the organization aims to secure sustainable resources to continue its vital mission. By uniting with partners, donors, and advocates, Kia Haumaru seeks to forge a path forward, ensuring a safer, more equitable future for all individuals. As challenges persist, the organization’s unwavering dedication to creating positive change inspires hope for a brighter tomorrow.