Samira’s Journey - Identity, Advocacy, Resiliance and Compassion
“Challenges are part of life. My faith gives me strength to deal with challanges and turn them into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.” - Dr Samira Ghoreishi
“Muslim women are not passive victims—they are fierce, courageous, and active agents of change who don’t need to be saved, but want to be heard, seen, and supported.”
Dr Samira Ghoreishi is a Senior Advisor, Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention at the Ministry of Social Development. She has a PhD in Politics and International Relations from the University of Auckland. She is the Co-Lead of the WOCPSN Advocacy Team. She is a strong advocate for women’s rights.
Samira, originally from southern Iran, has been calling Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa, New Zealand her home for over 11 years. She lives with her husband, son, and their little dog.
Samira says “I came to Aotearoa over 11 years ago, drawn by the beauty of this land and its people. Walking in nature is my greatest source of healing; I love listening to native birds and reflecting on the peace that Aotearoa offers. I am deeply grateful for the ancestral and spiritual landmarks of this land, and I honour the indigenous heritage that allows me to live here safely with my family.”
Inspired by her parents - A journey of Advocacy, Resilience and Compassion
Her parents have been her greatest inspiration. Her mother, a passionate advocate for women’s rights, and her father, committed to social justice, instilled in her the values of compassion, resistance (resisting injustice, discrimination, and oppression), and resilience. Their influence led her to study politics and pursue a career focused on justice and human rights, with a special focus on women and children.
The memory of her father, who bravely lived with ALS (a fatal motor neuron disease) for ten years without ever losing hope, has been a guiding light in her life. His courage and optimism taught her to face hardship with both resistance and resilience. Her mother’s strength also shaped her, teaching her to recognise and use her privileges to uplift others, especially during difficult times.
Identity, Being Muslim, and 15 March Terrorist Attacks:
For Samira, an Iranian Muslim migrant woman, identity isn’t a single, fixed label-it’s an evolving tapestry woven from her faith, her nationality, her gender, and her experiences. Her faith, rooted in religion, spirituality, and values like compassion, purity of heart, nonviolence, and generosity, is central to her sense of self. Migration added another layer to her identity and left lasting marks on her heart. She says “I left Iran knowing I might not be able to return, a choice that shaped my resistance and resilience. In Aotearoa, I sometimes hear comments like, ‘you don’t look Muslim,’ or ‘You’re not a real Muslim.’”
She went on to explain how “after the March 15 Christchurch terrorist attacks. It was devastating to see such violence here, where I’d sought safety, and the tragedy was compounded by the assumption that, because I don’t wear hijab, I didn’t feel the pain or fear of the Muslim community.”
These experiences pushed her to embrace her Muslim identity even more openly, to challenge stereotypes, and to show that Muslim women are wonderfully diverse. Samira believes that the strength lies in this diversity. She goes on to note how “Muslim women are agents of change, standing firm for our communities and our societies, and resisting patriarchal and misinterpretations of Islam.”
Understanding Islam: What Samira Wishes People Knew About Islam and Muslim Women
Samira urges people to explore Islam beyond the portrayals of mainstream Western media. She points out how “Islam is a diverse faith practiced by people of many races, cultures, and perspectives. There is no single ‘Muslim’ experience. Our diversity is reflected in our thoughts, values, practices, and ways of dress.”
She explains how “for Muslim women, in particular, there is often a misguided focus on clothing. Even in countries under repressive regimes, Muslim women are not passive victims—they are fierce, courageous, and active agents of change who don’t need to be saved, but want to be heard, seen, and supported. It’s crucial to understand that the extreme and violent practices often associated with Islam are not Islam. Instead, they reflect the challenges of patriarchy, misogyny, and extremism, which affect people of many backgrounds.”
For Samira, Islam, like other faiths, can be a source of strength, identity, and peace for countless people. She says “It’s unfair and harmful to generalise or use isolated practices to fuel Islamophobia. I hope people will approach our faith with an open mind and a willingness to understand the true diversity within it.”
A Verse From the Quran Close to Samira’s Heart:
One verse from the Quran that is close to Samira’s heart is:
“Indeed, We have granted you a clear victory.” (Al-Fath: 1) ﴿إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحًا مُّبِينًا﴾
[ الفتح: 1]
Inna fatahna laka fathan mubeena.
Samira explains that this verse is close to her heart because “It’s one of the first verses my grandmother taught me. She encouraged me to recite it whenever I felt anxious, and I find strength in its words to this day. It reminds me that victory and peace come from within and that every challenge can be overcome with patience and faith.”
Experience and Advice on Overcoming Challenges:
When facing challenges, Samira turns to her faith-not only in a religious sense but also in a broader, spiritual way. She reflects on the privileges she holds, like her education, family, and the support around her. These moments of self-reflection help her to refocus on her dreams and purpose, enabling her to keep moving forward despite obstacles. She is grateful for a supportive husband, an inspiring son, and a community of good people who have helped her find strength even in the darkest times. With each step, she remains committed to lifting up those around her and paving pathways for others to follow.
Samira’s advice to anyone facing challenges:
Remember your goals and purpose.
Lean on your community, seek support, and never feel that you need to carry all burdens by yourself.
Allow yourself moments of sadness, but don’t let them define you.
Seek help, focus on hope, and keep moving forward.
Samira’s message to the younger Generation of Women of Colour and Muslims:
You are incredibly intelligent, fierce, and capable of creating change.
Let your identity inspire and drive you.
Seek out allies who respect your journey and support your growth.
Every time you challenge discrimination or speak up for justice, you’re creating a path for others.
Take pride in your identity and trust that you are bringing something unique and valuable to every space you enter.
You can connect with Samira via her LinkedIn