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.

AWEF UK Business Model

AWEF is a social enterprise working to develop African women in communities. It functions on two levels, as a charity and business with activities centred on community involvement and development. The charity facilitates a range of activities designed for capacity building, strengthening and empowering women socially, economically and academically. We provide logistical support for empowerment which includes inspirational, confidence-building and motivation workshops, seminars, conferences along with a range of other development activities.

We use a yes we can approach in enabling women to move forward to whatever their goals are. We also provide tailored one to one support and mentorship from inception, concepts through to them able to stand on their own as businesses. Our business arm supports both the organisation and the women in it, by providing resources to enhance the overall capacity and provide a great platform for networking. Through this arm, our services include a range of consultancy services.

Women Empowerment

Our purpose is to provide a platform where African women can grow, so they can achieve their desired goals without any social or economic barriers or prejudices. We provide a platform that is not a threat to their male counterparts, but as an equal contributor to the enhancement of nations as a whole.

We feel our contribution to the empowerment process for women, not only African but women as a whole, will help to breakdown barriers and change mindsets. Our organisation is well focused in the improvement of women status being an equal citizen in whatever countries they are, and that their nations understand that women citizens can be effective and meaningful contributors to nation-building, if given the opportunity to participate equally and without prejudice, hence creating a greater nation.

Our Partners