In a world where the fight for equality, social justice, and community empowerment remains critical, the name Vanisa Dhiru stands out as a beacon of hope and leadership. A dedicated advocate for diversity, gender equity, and social change, Vanisa Dhiru has spent her life connecting people, fostering inclusivity, and building bridges between sectors, age groups, and social statuses.
Her exceptional contributions in New Zealand’s not-for-profit sector, particularly in championing the rights of women and marginalized communities, have not only inspired many but have also made a profound impact on a national and global level.
Early Life of Vanisa Dhiru: Foundations of Service and Leadership
Born and raised in Palmerston North, New Zealand, Vanisa Dhiru’s journey to becoming one of New Zealand’s most influential leaders was rooted in the values instilled by her Indian parents.
Her father, who was born in Gujarat, India, and her mother, a New Zealand native, operated two convenience stores in Palmerston North, and it was from their example of hard work and dedication to community service that Vanisa drew her early inspiration. Volunteering for school and community activities from a young age, she was taught the importance of giving back, a value that has stayed with her throughout her career.
In 1999, Vanisa Dhiru moved to Wellington to attend Victoria University of Wellington, marking the beginning of a career filled with leadership roles and a passion for making a difference.
Career: Building a Legacy in Advocacy and Leadership
Vanisa Dhiru’s professional journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the betterment of society. After graduating, Vanisa Dhiru began her career at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, gaining valuable experience in working across diverse sectors. However, it was her work in the not-for-profit sector that truly cemented her as a leader with a purpose.
In 2011, Vanisa Dhiru was appointed Chief Executive of Volunteering New Zealand, where she championed the importance of volunteerism and the role it plays in strengthening communities. As an advocate for diversity, she worked tirelessly to promote inclusion and equity, ensuring that everyone had a voice and a place in shaping the future of New Zealand.
Her leadership roles extended beyond Volunteering New Zealand. Vanisa served on the board of multiple charities, including Dress for Success Wellington, Inspiring Stories Trust, and Trade Aid. As part of her work for Trade Aid, Vanisa traveled to India and Bangladesh to gather stories from partner groups, using these narratives to promote Fair Trade and social justice. Her efforts culminated in raising awareness about the importance of ethical trade and the powerful impact that community-driven initiatives can have on the world.
Advocating for Gender Equity and Social Change
One of Vanisa Dhiru’s most notable roles came in 2017 when she was appointed National President of the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ). During her tenure from 2017 to 2019, she dedicated herself to raising the profile of the organization, increasing the diversity of its membership, and advocating for gender rights on national and international stages.
A defining moment in her leadership came when she led the NCWNZ delegation to the United Nations’ 70th session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), where she passionately argued for greater gender equity in New Zealand.
Vanisa’s work extends beyond gender equity alone. She is a strong advocate for broader social issues, including race, class, employment, leadership, and age equity. Through her involvement in government advisory panels and community organizations, she has continued to push for policies that promote inclusion and ensure that marginalized communities are represented and empowered.
A Connector of People and Ideas
What sets Vanisa Dhiru apart as a leader is her unique ability to bring together people from all walks of life to work towards a common goal. She has built a reputation for forging strong connections across sectors, enabling collaboration between individuals and groups who may have otherwise never crossed paths. Vanisa believes that true social change is only possible when diverse voices are heard and included in decision-making processes.
This philosophy has driven much of her work, whether it’s advocating for gender equity, promoting digital literacy through her role as Executive Director of 2020 Communications Trust, or supporting fair trade initiatives. Vanisa has consistently demonstrated that the power of collective action, driven by inclusive leadership, can achieve transformative results.
Recognitions and Achievements: A Legacy of Service
Over the years, Vanisa Dhiru’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2010, she was named a finalist for the Kiwibank Young New Zealander of the Year Awards, recognizing her dedication to service and leadership. In 2016, she was included in the prestigious Zonta District 16 ‘50 Women of Achievement’ list. Her leadership was further recognized when, in 2020, she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to the community and gender rights.
She continues to serve on multiple advisory boards and panels, including the Victoria University of Wellington Business School Advisory Board and various government advisory groups. Her involvement in initiatives like the Global Women NZ network and the Te Aho Tāmaka leadership initiative demonstrates her ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for future leaders.
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