Purple Dandelion

A Muslim woman’s struggle against violence and oppression

Farida Sultana with Shila Nair  

Foreword by Helen Clark

The book Purple Dandelion is the true story of Farida Sultana, an extraordinary Muslim woman and single mother, whose remarkable life began in Bangladesh when as a young girl, she found herself in conflict with her traditional family values and the Islamic culture that prevents girls and women from learning music and arts. Later her arranged marriage to a doctor at the age of 18 took her to war-torn Iran with her husband and young daughter, then to the UK, and finally to New Zealand. Her personal journey included episodes of domestic violence as she sought to find herself and her true role in the world.

Soon after her arrival in New Zealand, Farida became aware that there were many more immigrant women like her who had to overcome domestic violence and the oppressive, patriarchal societies they lived in. Their need drove her to initiate Shakti, which set up the first ethnic women’s refuge in the country. What was conceived as an essential support group for migrant and refugee women has grown into the largest ethnic community organisation in New Zealand, bringing together women and families of over 42 different ethnicities. Purple Dandelion brings to life the experiences and struggles of some of these courageous women. In recent years Farida has been working in Asian and Middle Eastern countries encouraging women to condemn violence and claim their human rights. 

About the authors

Farida Sultana has been working in the area of violence against women for over 17 years. She first became associated with Shakti AID UK as a survivor of violence and then as a volunteer. In 1995 she started Shakti in New Zealand. Farida is an advocate for various migrant and refugee issues, works closely with the wider communities and also serves on various boards in New Zealand. She has one adult daughter.

Shila Nair (co-author) qualified and worked as a journalist in India for 15 years before she migrated to New Zealand with her husband. She has since divorced and has requalified as a counsellor. Being a survivor of violence herself, she is a passionate advocate for the cause of violence against women. She has been working with Shakti since 2002. 

 Reviews and Media

TV1's Breakfast  interviewed Farida you can view a video of the interview here

TV1's Real Life: Broken Promises Broken Brides features Shakti, Farida Sultana and Shila Nair.
Click here to view this documentary which tells the story of Asian brides who have been enticed into marriages in New Zealand where they have become victims of domestic abuse.