Representatives of Creators of Peace, Salaam Group and Pan Pacific South East Asia Women's Association hosted a TableTalk Luncheon in Wellington on July 13th for 80 women. The aim of the Luncheon was to offer support to our Muslim sisters in our community, and to create a space for new conversations and connections between women who would not normally meet together.

Over the lunch women from many diverse cultural and religious diverse backgrounds had the opportunity to make new friendships as well as hear from guest speakers. Jennifer Hammond from the USA explained about Creators of Peace Circles and how being part of a Circle as a newcomer to New Zealand had helped her make meaningful relationships with other women. We remembered the victims of the Christchurch mosques attack and other victims of violence around the world, by lighting candles. Holly Norton, founder of Collaborate, a networking application which links volunteers to opportunities, spoke of how her volunteer group has supported the community after the Christchurch shootings. 

The organising team (pictured) included women originally from Peru, Singapore, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and the USA.  Due to the large amount of interest generated from the luncheon, there are plans to host more Table Talk events which will again provide opportunities for women of diverse backgrounds to come together, share food and build friendships.  Please watch the events page for future events.