OUR TEAM
Our team comprises a diverse cadre of dedicated professionals, united by a commitment to excellence and innovation. Through collaborative effort, we consistently achieve outstanding results and surpass expectations.
Who We Are
Munira Khanum
National Coordinator of IWCNZ
Munira Khanum is the National Treasurer for IWCNZ, a role she has held for over ten 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.
IWCNZ Administrative Council
Shahida Bhamji
Assistant National Coordinator
I am is a qualified Paediatric Special Needs Nurse who has successfully transitioned into the corporate insurance industry, where I have cultivated a thriving career over the past 20 years. Currently serving as a Senior Underwriter, I bring a deep well of expertise in negotiation, technical analysis, policy development, strategic decision-making, complemented by my compassionate healthcare background and strong relation building skills.
My leadership journey includes my participation 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 my leadership capabilities, particularly in mentoring, coaching, and fostering inclusive environments.
I am 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. I am 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, I am a dedicated mentor and advocate for lifelong learning. I champion 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.
My compassion, global outlook, and love for travel and connection reflect a vibrant personality that bridges cultures and communities with grace and authenticity.
Weaam Bassiouni
Treasurer
Weaam Bassiouni currently serves as the Treasurer for IWCNZ, having previously held the role of Secretary and Auckland rep, before that. She has been actively involved with IWCNZ for several years, contributing to major youth initiatives including the 2018 National Camp and the 2019 Auckland Conference, as well as numerous other events aimed at engaging and empowering young Muslim women.
Alongside her work with IWCNZ, Weaam plays an active role in a range of community organisations. Her other main focus at the moment is the female Muslim community on the shore. As one of the Event Coordinators for the North Shore Islamic Association (NSIA), she leads faith-based and wellness-focused events for girls and young women.
Weaam has a Bachelor of Global Studies with a major in Global Environment and Sustainable Development, As well as a Certificate in Languages. Born to Egyptian parents and raised in Aotearoa, Weaam brings a rich blend of cultural insight, community spirit, and youth leadership to her work.
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 15 th ). 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 Assistant 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.