Marama Davidson
“As women’s voices from cross sections of society are amplified more and more, including women who belong to gangs, that immediately threatens the status quo hierarchy, which is a patriarchy.”
Marama Davidson, a fearless leader, has been tirelessly pushing for positive social change in Aotearoa (New Zealand) as the Co-Leader of the Green Party for over six years and an MP for over eight. In the video below, Marama shares her journey into politics, offering valuable–but cautionary–advice to women and girls aspiring to follow suit. She also provides updates on her previous story, discussing the evolving political landscape in New Zealand, and the challenges she has faced as a Māori wahine who is tirelessly championing the voices and well-being of marginalized individuals in Aotearoa and around the world.
In 2021, residing in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), Aotearoa (New Zealand), I attended a rally against sexual violence on Courtenay Place, a street known for its nightlife. The rally aimed to foster safer streets, particularly during nights out. Marama Davidson, serving as the Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence at the time, spoke at the rally, articulating a vision of an Aotearoa free from all forms of violence. She also argued that there is never an excuse for sexual violence, no matter what someone is wearing or what state they are in. As a young woman, this spoke volumes to me.
I attended this rally in March of 2021—three months into the 365 Days, 365 Women project. Marama quickly rose to the top of my list of women I wanted to interview. I didn’t expect her to respond when I sent her an [email] interview request over Instagram DMs, but she did—almost instantly. Fast forward three years later, she accepted a follow up interview, and we finally had the chance to connect over video call.
Since we last spoke to Marama, New Zealand's government has undergone a significant shift, with power now held by a party that starkly opposes the values of the Greens. Despite these obstacles, Marama, as Co-Leader of the Green Party, remains steadfast in her fight, with human rights and climate justice remaining at the forefront of her agenda.
Marama Davidson's journey from activist to political leader is a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and a passion for social justice. Born and raised in Aotearoa, Marama grew up close to her iwi (tribe) in the vibrant and diverse community of Te Tonga o Tāmaki Makaurau (South Auckland). She continues to reside there today, as a proud nana and mama of six.
Marama didn't originally aspire to a political career. However, she recognized the crucial need for marginalized voices, especially Indigenous women, in positions of power. Understanding that real change required political engagement, she chose to pursue politics despite her initial hesitation.
Now, Marama has been Co-Leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa for over five years. During this time, she has and continues to champion progressive causes. The recent electoral successes of the Green Party, including historic wins in key electorates and a growing Māori and Pacific caucus, underscore Marama's transformative leadership and the increasing resonance of grassroots activism.
However, Marama's journey hasn't been without its challenges. As a fierce advocate for human rights, she has faced relentless attacks and criticism, both online and offline. Especially now that the Government is, as Marama describes, “the most right wing and conservative” that Aotearoa has seen in a long time.
Marama has faced criticism for her vocal stance against violence perpetrated by white, cisgender men. Recently, she became a target of far-right extremist groups and even endured a physical altercation when struck by a motorbike during a peaceful protest for trans rights.
She has also faced criticism for her advocacy of women associated with gangs. In our previous interview in 2021, she highlighted these women's efforts to drive positive change within their communities. However, as Marama explains, their voices are often silenced, particularly by the government, which utilizes gangs as scapegoats to divert attention from deeper societal issues–such as economic injustice. Marama emphasizes that amplifying the voices of women from various social backgrounds, including those affiliated with gangs, challenges the existing patriarchal power structure.
“When power is threatened, it digs deeper. We saw that through the election campaign where there was more legislation thrown in the direction of gangs as a way of continuing to drive up the fears and ignorance of people who want to be able to blame all crime on gangs and therefore be distracted away from white collar crime, and away from the fact that violence happens in every community, not just brown poor ones.”
Despite growing awareness in Aotearoa that blaming gangs for all societal problems is misguided, power structures persist in doubling down on their efforts. Marama notes that the election campaign witnessed a surge in legislation targeting gangs–including the very women she advocates for–perpetuating fear and ignorance.
“Affirming the solutions of the very people at the front lines of violence is exactly how we get enduring solutions.”
Despite the backlash she faces, Marama remains resolute in her mission. Central to Marama's approach is belief in the power of collective action and community resilience. She emphasizes the importance of building strong support networks and staying grounded amidst the pressures of political life. Marama's advocacy for women's voices, especially those of Indigenous and marginalized women, reflects her understanding of the patriarchal forces that seek to silence and undermine them.
Marama’s story serves as an inspiration to women and girls everywhere, reminding them of their inherent strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Though cautious about urging them into politics, given the challenges they'll face, she stresses the vital importance of their representation at the table.
“Colonisation, the patriarchy, they know where the power base is, it is with women and whānau.”
As I noted back in 2021, Marama “leads by listening rather than telling, shows up rather than sitting on the sidelines, and speaks with communities rather than just on behalf of them.” Marama's fearless leadership is fuelled by her unwavering commitment to equity, safety, and opportunity for all. She embodies hope for a better future, setting a crucial example for others to follow.
“It is a unique dynamic of being an Indigenous woman, and a brown woman, that I do not share with all women. So for me, intersectionality requires that all women understand the added oppressions to our sister women.”
