Shakti Voices
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Otago Access Radio
Produced By: OAR FM Dunedin
Programme Website
Empowering women, raising awareness, and advocating for domestic and family violence intervention, prevention, and support with Shakti Woman’s Refuge Trust.
All Episodes
9 - Women’s Health Meets Community Justice
Published: 03/12/2025 4:00 p.m.
In this episode, host Ilish speaks with Dr. Shanthi Selvakumar, Chair of Shakti, about her two decades supporting migrant women in Aotearoa. She reflects on her early beginnings in women’s health education, powerful stories of survival, and Shakti’s growth despite funding challenges. Dr. Selvakumar also discusses recent organisational changes, advocacy wins, and the ongoing work to empower women across New Zealand.
8 - Celebrating 30 Years of Shakti
Published: 05/11/2025 6:00 p.m.
Recorded live at Parliament in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington on 22 October, this episode celebrates 30 years of Shakti — an organisation led by ethnic women for ethnic women, dedicated to ending family violence and empowering communities across Aotearoa. Hosted by journalist Melissa Chan-Green, it features kōrero from Amokura Panoho, Hon. Phil Twyford, Dr. Shanti Savakumar and founder Farida Sultana, honouring Shakti’s journey, its fight for justice, and the strength of women who built a movement for change.
7 - Thirty Years of Shakti with Farida Sultana
Published: 01/10/2025 3:44 p.m.
This month, Shakti turns 30 — marking three decades of advocacy, resilience, and community-led change. Ilish speaks with founding member Farida Sultana, who shares her journey from survivor to change-maker. She reflects on Shakti’s grassroots beginnings in New Zealand, the cultural and systemic barriers faced, and the need for culturally responsive support. Farida also speaks to the movement’s growth, lives saved, and its legacy now carried forward by former clients turned leaders.
6 - Hope, Healing, and Community with Dr Mai Tamimi
Published: 03/9/2025 9:00 p.m.
Episode 6 - Hope, Healing, and Community with Dr Mai Tamimi - In this episode, Rob Harley speaks with Dr. Mai Tamimi—Palestinian community leader, academic, and advocate—about her journey from Hebron to Ōtepoti, and her mahi supporting ethnic women and families across Aotearoa. Dr. Tamimi reflects on building networks in a new culture, the challenges migrant women face, and the importance of cultural wellbeing and peer support frameworks. She also shares heartfelt personal reflections on family, identity, and staying hopeful amidst the ongoing violence and genocide in Palestine.
5 - Selina Akhtar: Identity, Tikanga & Social Work
Published: 06/8/2025 3:56 p.m.
In this episode of Shakti Voices, host ilish speaks with Selina Akhtar—social work educator and long-time Shakti supporter—about her journey from Bangladesh to Aotearoa. Selina reflects on dual identity, culturally responsive practice, and her work empowering migrant women. She shares insights into integrating tikanga Māori into social services, the challenges of shifting community attitudes, and Shakti’s 30-year legacy of change
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