Women of Colour Conference 2023
Aotearoa’s first conference for Women of Colour was held in 2022, bringing together women of colour across sectors to smash the ‘concrete ceiling’. In September of 2023, we came together again as the ‘rising tide, driving change’ collectively.
WoC Conference 2023, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).
Why the Women of Colour Conference?
When it comes to barriers to progression and inclusion, women face the glass ceiling. For women of colour, it is often a concrete ceiling - invisible barriers that hold us back even when we work twice as hard than others and take all the ‘right’ steps. We have heard many women of colour share that they are the only, the first, or one of few women of colour in their school, university or workplace. Role models that they can look up to for inspiration and advice are even fewer.
The Women of Colour Conference was created as part of breaking this cycle - connecting a community of women of colour, highlighting trailblazing role models, disrupting isolation, and providing women with the tools to progress and ultimately smash the concrete ceiling across all sectors and communities.
Continuing the Kaupapa
While the Women of Colour Conference was a significant milestone for Authenticity Aotearoa, the kaupapa behind it continues. We look forward to creating more spaces in the future that encourage connection, representation, leadership, and meaningful community conversations.