This week, March 8, marks International Women's Day – a day to honour women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It is also a day to raise awareness about gender inequality and advocate for women's rights worldwide.
The first International Women's Day was observed in 1911 and has become a global event. The theme for International Women's Day varies each year and focuses on different issues affecting women. The theme for International Women's Day 2023 is "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality."
It is important to note that while progress has been made in advancing women's rights, much work still needs to be done. Therefore, International Women's Day serves as a reminder to continue working towards gender equality and empowering women.
To celebrate this occasion, IWK spoke to Kiwi-Indian Namrata Rai, Founder of Family Fitness – a fitness studio in Mt Roskill. Rai, who originally hails from Banaras, has dedicated her life to fitness and is a nutritionist, personal trainer, national-level powerlifter, and an Olympic Weightlifting Coach.
The 42-year-old Mt Roskill resident is also a devoted wife and caring mother to her two daughters, aged 15 and 12.
Excerpts from the conversation
Q. What has been your journey from India to NZ?
I have been living in New Zealand since 2006. I could write a book on my journey from India to NZ. Lots of hard work, struggles, tears, laughs, and sacrifices are hidden behind my success.
Q. Tell us about your fitness journey.
My Fitness story began after my second C-section. Post-pregnancy, I weighed 75kg. I managed to lose all my post-pregnancy weight. However, unfortunately, one day, when I was working out, I hurt my back. Following the same, the doctor advised me to avoid the gym entirely, and within a year, I put back 28 kg. I became depressed and started to avoid mirrors. I did not like who I saw...”
I knew I had to find myself again, as the only person who could move me forward was myself. Now that I was a mother, the questions I used to ask myself as a child about why mothers did not take time to look after themselves came back to haunt me. It all made sense now as there were so many demands on my time to be a mother, sister, friend, and wife and find solitude to recoup.
To motivate myself, I began working out at home. As I steadily lost weight, I had to go through another operation, resulting in me having to stop my rigorous regime to recover.
Finally, after a few months, I started going to the gym again. I never lost hope. I wanted to prove to myself and other mothers that we could juggle life and stay on top of our health and fitness. I wanted to remind other mothers that we mattered too. To look after other people, we had to look after ourselves first. Last year I won gold in bodybuilding, and I am a national-level powerlifter as well.
Q How did Family Fitness came into being?
I could not get anyone when I was trying to find a coach who could train me early morning, late at night, or at weekends because of my kids. And a thought came to my mind what about moms who want to get fit but cannot because does not have enough resources? I got a mission for my life. I enrolled for a Level 4 personal training course in Auckland, then I did my nutrition course, and in 2018 I started my coaching with one client. Since then, I have transformed more than 1000 women worldwide. I provide strength training to seniors in a retirement village as well. Recently, I won the People’s Choice award for my community work.
Q What is your inspiration behind family fitness?
I endeavour to bring change in the community and make women realise what they can achieve. I help women to redefine themselves. I want to change at least 10000 women's life, making them fit and strong not only physically but mentally as well.
Q How have you seen the fitness scene in New Zealand, especially among women?
I have been training women for the last five years, and the awareness for fitness is growing among women, especially for strength training.
Q What is your message to all women out there?
Looking after your health is self-care, and self-care does not mean being selfish, but it implies self-value. So, keep yourself healthy and happy, and if you do that, you can keep your entire family healthy and happy.