Our team

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Our team

Munira Khanum

National Coordinator

Munira Khanum is the National Coordinator for IWCNZ, before that she served as Treasurer for over ten years.

Munira Khanum

National Coordinator

Munira Khanum is the National Coordinator for IWCNZ. Before this, she served as the Treasurer for 10 years. Munira has over 30 years’ experience in the New Zealand financial sector, having held varies roles including Authorized Investment Adviser and Insurance advisory. She also holds a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning. Her association with IWCNZ started with the desire to connect with other migrant families and help new migrants settle in New Zealand, a journey she had travelled herself having migrated from Fiji in the 1980s. Munira has served as a trustee for the Fatimah Foundation, an organization which served disadvantaged families and operated Halal food bank. Today, her work focuses on helping women build community connections through social and sporting events. She has raised two adult daughters, is a proud grandmother and enjoys travelling and swimming in her spare time.

Email:Muniraiw@iwcnz.org.nz

Dr. Maysoon Salama

Emeritus National Coordinator

Dr Maysoon Salama currently serves as the Emeritus National Coordinator since 2019 and has previously served as National Coordinator.

Dr. Maysoon Salama

Emeritus National Coordinator

A scholar in science with a PhD in Food Microbiology and Molecular Biology from Oregon State University. I received my PhD in 1993 and have many prestigious awards such as Graduate Student Award of the American Dairy Science in 1990, and I hold two patents. I have several referred publications in the field of microbiology in prestigious journals and academic conferences. I am not only a scholar in science but a veteran community servant. When I moved to New Zealand in 1995, I dedicated my time to educating the children of Muslim and non-Muslim families. I am the co-founder and manager of two An-Nur Childcare Centers, one in Christchurch (the first Islamic Centre in New Zealand, established year 2000) and the other in Dunedin, established April 2014 -September 2022. I have a passion for community service and compassion for sharing the beauty of Islam through radio speeches, conferences presentations and workshops. I am the co-founder of the National Islamic Sister Assembly (NISA), 1995. I have been the National Coordinator for Islamic Women Council of New Zealand since 2012. Currently I am the Emeritus National Coordinator since December 2021. I am a member of the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Government's Response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch mosques (Kapuia), a member of Collective impact Board (CIB) and a member of the New Zealand police Muslim advisory group and a member of Awhi Mai Group (District Health board Mental health support group for victims of Christchurch Terrorist attack, March 15th). I have been awarded the Additional Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in September 2024 for services to the Muslim community and education.

Aliya Danzeisen

Emeritus National Coordinator

Allyn “Aliya” Danzeisen served as the National Coordinator for five years and is now serving as Emeritus National coordinator in 2025.

Aliya Danzeisen

Emeritus National Coordinator

Allyn “Aliya” Danzeisen served as the National Coordinator for five years. At the behest of IWCNZ membership and its executive, Aliya retained the government engagement portfolio for the organisation and continues to advocacy matters for IWCNZ Aliya founded and leads WOWMA, a youth programme for Muslim females in the Waikato which as been identified as best practices nationally and internationally. She’s been invited to participate in five global summits and has been finalist for the New Zealand Women of Influence Awards twice (2016 & 2020). In her day job, Aliya was leading the Spanish Department at a high school in Hamilton, New Zealand. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Juris Doctor, a Master of Laws and is currently pursuing another master degree in educational leadership. Originally from the USA, Aliya has lived in South America, the Caribbean, and Japan before coming to New Zealand.

Shahida Bhamji

Assistant National Coordinator

Shahida Bhamji is an Assistant National Coordinator of IWCNZ, bringing with her a professional background that bridges healthcare and the corporate sector.

Shahida Bhamji

Assistant National Coordinator

Shahida is a qualified Paediatric Special Needs Nurse who has successfully transitioned into the corporate insurance industry, where she has cultivated a thriving career over the past 20 years. Currently serving as a Senior Underwriter, she brings a deep well of expertise in negotiation, technical analysis, policy development, strategic decision-making, complemented by her compassionate healthcare background and strong relation building skills. Shaida's leadership journey includes participating in the Emerging Leaders Programme through The Hunger Project and active involvement in Women in Leadership initiatives via Mentoring New Zealand and most recently as the Assistant National Coordinator for IWCNZ. These experiences have enriched her leadership capabilities, particularly in mentoring, coaching, and fostering inclusive environments. Shahida deeply committed to empowering young Muslim girls and all Muslima sisters, equipping them with the tools, confidence, and support to thrive personally, spiritually and professionally. Shahida is passionate about creating authentic spaces for sisterhood and networking, where women can grow, connect, and lead with purpose. With a strong focus on structured feedback, intentional growth strategies, and change management, she is a dedicated mentor and advocate for lifelong learning. Shahida champions the development of Muslim youth and women, encouraging them to become the best version of themselves while staying true to Islamic teachings and the Sunnah. Shahida's compassion, global outlook, and love for travel and connection reflect a vibrant personality that bridges cultures and communities with grace and authenticity.

Hanadi Ali

Assistant National Coordinator

Hanadi Ali is the Assistant National Coordinator of the IWCNZ, a role she has held since 2023.

Hanadi Ali

Assistant National Coordinator

Hanadi Ali is the Assistant National Coordinator of the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand (IWCNZ), a role she has held since 2023. She is passionate about community development, education, and advocacy, with a focus on supporting Muslim women, refugees, and ethnic communities across New Zealand. With a strong background in law, Hanadi worked as a lawyer in Syria for nearly a decade before migrating to New Zealand nine years ago, where she obtained a Legal Executive Diploma to continue her expertise in legal processes and administration. She has served as a committee member of the Manawatu Muslim Association since 2021, representing Muslim women in community affairs, and was the administrator of Iqraa Islamic School. She also manages the Arabic School in Palmerston North, where she has taught Arabic for seven years. Currently, Hanadi works as a Project Coordinator at HOW2, where she leads educational programmes, cultural events, holiday activities, and social initiatives for refugees and ethnic communities. Born and raised in Syria, she is a proud mother of two and remains committed to fostering inclusive communities, advancing advocacy, and creating opportunities for those in need.

Weaam Bassiouni

Treasurer

Weaam Bassiouni is the Treasurer of IWCNZ, having previously served as Secretary and Auckland Regional Representative.

Weaam Bassiouni

Treasurer

Weaam has been actively involved in the organisation for several years, contributing to youth-focused initiatives such as the 2018 National Camp, the 2019 Auckland Conference, and numerous other events designed to empower young Muslim women. Alongside her work with IWCNZ, Weaam is a key organiser within the North Shore Muslim community, where she serves as an Event Coordinator for the North Shore Islamic Association. In this role, she leads faith-based and wellness initiatives for girls and young women. Weaam holds a Bachelor of Global Studies, majoring in Global Environment and Sustainable Development, and a Certificate in Languages. Born to Egyptian parents and raised in Aotearoa, she brings cultural insight, community spirit, and a passion for youth leadership to her role as Treasurer.

Marwa Aman Nayle

Secretary

Marwa Aman Nayle serves as the Secretary of IWCNZ, where she supports governance and organisational development.

Marwa Aman Nayle

Secretary

Marwa Aman Nayle serves as the Secretary of IWCNZ, where she supports governance and organisational development. She is committed to community advocacy, women’s empowerment, and building inclusive spaces for Muslim women across New Zealand. Marwa has been active in a range of initiatives that strengthen women’s leadership and voice, particularly in education and community engagement. Her background includes working with grassroots organisations, supporting Muslim women’s representation, and ensuring cultural and faith-based perspectives are embedded in community work. Based in Dunedin, Marwa brings passion, leadership, and dedication to her role as Secretary, where she continues to advance IWCNZ’s mission of empowering Muslim women and representing their voices nationally.

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Our team

Munira Khanum

Dr. Maysoon Salama

Aliya Danzeisen

Shahida Bhamji

Hanadi Ali

Weaam Bassiouni

Marwa Aman Nayle

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