Culture & Lived experience
Wāhine toa
Wāhine Toa is a NZDF programme focused on strengthening the participation, progression, and experiences of women across the organisation.
The Wāhine Toa programme is guided by four focus areas—Attract, Recruit, Retain, and Advance—which drive initiatives that support gender equality and equity across NZDF. Wāhine Toa’s vision is to shape a culture where wāhine feel valued, safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Wahine Toa model
Wāhine Toa is championed by NZDF senior leadership and aligned with key strategic commitments, including the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles (UN WEPs). In 2020, NZDF became the first military in the world to formally adopt the UN WEPs, reinforcing its commitment to gender‑equitable leadership, fair treatment, and accountability.
The programme also aligns with NZDF’s Women, Peace and Security work, ensuring workforce initiatives support both operational effectiveness and international obligations.
Gender Equality Networks (GENs)
Our GENs bring together NZDF personnel of all genders who are committed to advancing gender equality. GENs promote initiatives, raise awareness, share insights, and strengthen connections across the organisation. Anyone in NZDF can be part of a GEN and contribute to positive, practical change.
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