Why AWEF exists
Women make up nearly 50% of the world’s international migrants (United Nations 2006). A significant proportion of migrating women are refugees, fleeing conflict, environmental disasters, poverty and the impacts of gender inequality. AWEF works to support their needs in removing inequality at all levels. AWEF stands at the centre in enabling African refugees and migrant women to integrate and provide effective support mechanisms for this group of women to move forward finding their true and full potential.
In accordance to a Home Office-UK study on integration, there is a weight of evidence showing that refugees find it difficult in making the transition from support to independence and fulfilling their potential for development and contribution to society. AWEF provides a platform that supports women in making the transformation. Our support cuts across a wide range of services from social through to economic.
AWEF provides services to support those who through-
-their trauma may experience numerous health issues, especially in mental health. According to the organisation, MIND studies show that “people who come to the UK seeking refuge face a stark lack of understanding of their mental health needs and are often denied access to crucial services and treatments. Restrictive policies on healthcare, education, accommodation and employment are having devastating consequences, further marginalising refugees and asylum seekers from society”.
Home Office research shows that there are low levels of labour market participation among refugees, as well as poor terms and conditions of employment, despite the high proportion of refugees and with prior education, qualifications and work experience. Our own survey among women refugees and asylum seekers shows that most asylum seekers and refugees settle in pockets of poverty in primarily deprived areas in Nottingham and similar areas across the country and felt that this was a barrier in access mainstream services. Some of the main challenges that face them are in employment, education, social isolation and health.