Mu (Roots) Programme

Reclaiming identity, harnessing cultural heritage, and embracing the strength within our roots as our unique strength.

The Mu (Roots) Programme was Authenticity Aotearoa’s flagship programme in 2021 designed specifically for women of colour wanting to reclaim their identity, reconnect with their roots, and embrace their cultural heritage as a source of strength and confidence.

Through a group coaching approach, the programme created space for meaningful conversations, personal reflection, and connection, while building a close-knit and supportive network amongst participants navigating the intersecting experiences of being women of colour.

Reclaim.

Reflect on identity and heritage, explore personal roots, and reconnect with inner values, purpose, and self-understanding.

Reflect.

Embrace culture, lived experience, and heritage as strengths while developing confidence in authentic voice and self-expression.

Reconnect.

Reconnect with self and with like-minded peers through shared experiences, collective support, and help each other to smash the “concrete ceiling”.

What Was Involved?

• 6x fortnightly group sessions with programme facilitator and occasional guest speakers

• 4x one-on-one coaching sessions and regular accountability check-ins

• Access to online discussion spaces and peer networking opportunities

• Fortnightly sessions exploring the following themes:

  • Our identity: unpacking & reclaiming our identities

  • Our roots: exploring our family ties, cultural heritage and who we are

  • Our values & purpose: visioning who we want to be

  • Our voice: embracing our unique voice and feeling grounded in speaking up and leading

  • Our collective: finding connection and power in our connection to each other

  • Our commitment: creating an action plan going forward