What is it like for Indian women who enter the world of work in New Zealand?

Sari: Indian Women in Work and Enterprise in New Zealand showcases the lives of Indian women working in New Zealand through four generations, in their own words and through official data. Stories of fabulous success merge with underemployment and no employment. Memories of Maori friendships and Maori relatives intertwine with mentoring by Pakeha women. Sewn into the stories are the spangles of an Indian patriarchal system which supported these women and at the same time created very strict demarcation lines; and the shaded sequins of in-laws who might manipulate them as they sought to carve out their careers and gain an education.

Sari will advance understanding about the ethnic minority group of Indian women in this country through their stories and by examining the official data available. As well as exploring the layered lives of Indian women, it looks at policy areas of interest to further dialogue and assist with strategies that will enhance the lives of these women in our multicultural society. 

This book is a tribute to the life and work of these women, but it also poses questions and makes recommendations for policy makers, employers and Indians in New Zealand.