Bangladeshi Atia Irfan has been staying in New Zealand since 2013. Beside her studies at Epsom Girls' Grammar School, she is also involved in social work.
Currently, Atia is working with young girls and is involved with the group, Shakti, which focuses on ending family violence and gender-based oppression.
She has been trying to create a safe environment at schools for refugee children, so that they can raise their voices against discrimination and for her efforts, she won New Zealand’s Change Maker Award (community safety) 2017.
Atia was one of the seven young people who received invitations to meet German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender during their New Zealand visit last week.
The first lady wanted to listen to the experiences of these young people, Atia said.Shakti, the group, posted a message from Atia on its Facebook page, where she described meeting the German president and first lady on November 7.
"I also had the privilege to meet inspiring young activists and entrepreneurs who made significant changes in the society and represented New Zealand's culture. It was an honour to be able to represent Shakti and highlight Shakti's contribution in New Zealand. I am really grateful for the opportunity!"
Speaking to Bangla Tribune, she said she wanted to work for Bangladesh. “I always look for such opportunities.”
Atia said she would like to return home after finishing her studies.This article was first published on Bangla Tribune
Thursday, June 04, 2026
