Three decades of advancing women in law
Through their scholarship programme, the Wellington Women Lawyers’ Association (WWLA) is helping young women to succeed in the legal profession.
Women in philanthropy—In 2023 we celebrate the 130-year anniversary of women’s suffrage in Aotearoa New Zealand. To mark this milestone, we are highlighting the contributions of the many women in philanthropy who give generously of their money and time to support education through scholarships, mentoring, and acting as role models for the women who come after them.
Since 1987 the Association has been providing a platform and voice for women in the legal profession. They make submissions to Parliament on issues affecting women, mentor early-career lawyers, and promote both professional and social contact among their members.
They also fund an annual scholarship programme for full-time students who identify as women who are studying law at 200-level or above at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Genevieve Hancock, Convenor at WWLA says the Association's ‘reason for being’ is making a difference for women in law.
“Lack of financial support is a massive barrier for many women in the law, and particularly a barrier to diversity. Our scholarships are one tangible way we can help to make a difference.”
Having seen the impact debt can have on people through her grandparents’ finance business, scholarship recipient Hatamara was relieved to not have to get a student loan.
“My grandmother is someone that I have always looked up to. She came to New Zealand with my father, uncle and grandfather in the 60s from Fiji and with my grandfather worked hard to build a finance business in Porirua that served the Pasifika community.
“She is a hard worker, and someone that takes no prisoners. She guided me in my work ethic, faith, commitment to her family and many other aspects of my life.”
As well as Law, Hatamara is studying Chinese and International Relations and International Business. She is embarking on another unexpected adventure through her university experience:
“I’m preparing to go to Rome as a youth representative to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations for the World Food Forum.
“So far it has been challenging learning a whole new subject and preparing to travel halfway across the world. I am excited for the challenge and cannot wait for what this opportunity will bring me.”
Evo Malifa is halfway through her LLB journey and is also studying for a Bachelor of Commerce. She is aware that she will soon need to self-fund her final year of law studies and professional legal studies.
“Receiving this scholarship meant the world to me. My parents migrated from the islands to provide my siblings and I the opportunity for a better education and to be able to serve our communities. Being born and raised in South Auckland has meant that my vision and passion for advocacy has led me to where I am in my education journey.
“Tautua nei mo sou manuia a taeao is a beautiful proverb that sticks with me as I am completing my law degree. It translates as 'serve now for a better future'.
“Those like the Wellington Women Lawyers’ Association, who serve like Kate Sheppard for a better future, empower other women like myself to serve in the spaces I am in, for a better future for generations to come."