Golriz Ghahraman is someone I've looked up to for many years. Know Your Place is her intimate account of making a home in Aotearoa New Zealand, working as a human rights lawyer and for the United Nations, and entering New Zealand parliament. I found it incredibly passionate and honest, and enjoyed learning all about her culture and childhood life in Iran; journey to New Zealand without knowing what would happen if they were sent back; her global working adventures in Africa, The Hague, and Cambodia; her work in the Green Party; and her recount of the Christchurch mosque terrorist attacks. It is disappointing and anger inducing to read about the horrific racist abuse Golriz has encountered, and should be a reminder of us to embrace diversity, seek to understand each other more, or at the least, practise basic human kindness. An empowering read – especially for young people and women of colour – to know that you CAN make a difference.
