Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua.
Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.
Social entrepreneur Fadumo Ahmed, QSO, was one of nine finalists in the E Tū Whānau Ann Dysart Kahukura Award 2026, honoured for her commitment to empowering women, strengthening communities and preventing family violence.
The kahukura awards ceremony held at Ōrongomai Marae, Upper Hutt on 1 July 2026, recognised her work over 25 years fighting tirelessly for the rights of ethnic women and their whānau and supporting them to thrive in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Fadumo Ahmed – Turning lived experience into leadership
Fadumo’s early experiences as a grassroot women’s health worker in Somalia, and subsequent years as a refugee from political violence, shaped the leadership values that continue to guide her today.
Fadumo is the founder and Director of the New Zealand Ethnic Women’s Trust.
This Auckland and Kirikiriroa-based social enterprise and support network brings together women from African, South Asian and Middle Eastern communities, creating opportunities for connection, support and empowerment. Under Fadumo’s leadership, the Trust supports them and their whānau with strong, culturally responsive programmes and a sector leading approach to violence prevention.
Fadumo understands from her own experience that many newcomers face isolation, and that isolation can increase vulnerability and family harm. To counter this, she and her team of volunteers develop strong social networks and offer women welcoming and inclusive spaces. This strategy strengthens collective resilience and reinforces protective factors to prevent violence before it occurs.
Under Fadumo’s leadership, the Trust creates welcoming spaces where women can connect, share experiences, develop confidence and access support. Its programmes help strengthen wellbeing, build knowledge and reduce the isolation that can contribute to family harm.
“The innovative mahi and deep commitment to equity that the NZ Ethnic Women’s Trust has for ethnic women and their whānau is already having an intergenerational impact.”
Jenny Janif, E Tū Whānau Kaimahi
Advocating for change
Guided by Fadumo Ahmed, these experienced kaimahi are adept at turning grassroots insights, gleaned through their frontline mahi, into system-level change through strategic advocacy.
Fadumo is active in national, social services policy conversations and collaborates with government and sector partners to design more equitable and culturally responsive systems.
She speaks to the needs and aspirations of ethnic communities in these forums and demands respect for the knowledge that she, and women like her, hold through their lived experiences. In doing so, she hascontributed significantly to the empowerment of ethnic women in her rōhe, efforts that were acknowledged nationally in 2022 when she was made Companion of the Queen’s Service Order.
Fadumo is an inspiration to women and young people who arrive in Aotearoa, often after difficult journeys but with strong aspirations for themselves and their whānau. Through Fadumo’s leadership, many have found support, confidence and renewed belief in what is possible.
These whānau ware determined to contribute positively to their families and their communities. Fadumo continues to advocate tirelessly on their behalf, helping create the opportunities, support and systems they need to thrive.
