Empowering refugee women  

NZ Somali Women Inc aims to economically empower refugee women and solo mothers by giving them the skills to thrive in New Zealand society.

From the 2010 Annual Report
Working with women in Auckland, the organisation not only teaches English language skills to new migrants, but runs a six-month sewing course, guided by a professional sewing tutor.

Clothes are made for the women’s communities and for sale at the Wesley market, which runs every Tuesday.  NZ Somali Women also provides a playgroup for children and runs social activities such as day trips for the women.

Membership is predominantly Somali and the programme aims to ensure migrant Muslim women are not socially and economically marginalised. However, a growing number of other ethnicities such as Iraqi, Ethiopian, Lebanese and Indian women have recently joined the sewing group.

This initiative is strongly aligned with ASB Community Trust’s strategy for the Community Wellbeing sector. The Trust aims to support organisations that respond to needs identified by our communities and focus on innovative ways to  address the underlying causes of social problems.