Māori women

Māori women play a significant role in developing and sustaining the cultural, social and economic lives of Māori communities. According to the Time Use Survey they spend more time caring for others in their household and do more voluntary and community work than women from other ethnic groups. Māori women are the driving force behind te kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa Māori and other Māori development initiatives, and have actively contributed to growth and expansion of programmes and services for whānau, hapū and iwi (family, groups of families, and tribes). Often this work has been unpaid.

Across a range of indicators, Māori women experience poorer economic, health and social outcomes than other New Zealand women. As economic position is a key determinant of health and other social outcomes, working to remedy Māori women's low income levels and improve their overall economic position, has positive downstream impacts on other dimensions of their lives and New Zealand society.

It is important to note that within New Zealand's ageing population, the Māori population is relatively young. Māori females have a similar age profile and a much higher concentration under the age of 15 than European females. Overall, the proportion of females under the age of 15 is projected to decrease by 2021. However, the proportion of Māori females in this age group (29 percent), is expected to stay high compared with European females (15 percent). The relatively young age of the Māori population means Māori will continue to make up a significant proportion of the school population in the future. The transition to post-compulsory education and training is critical to Māori women's employment and income.

Mana Wahine Week page

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