Empowering Refugee Women
Welcome to the Centre of Advancing Women
Discover our mission to support and uplift refugee women across Victoria through community-based services and initiatives.
Our Journey
The Centre of Advancing Women (COAW) was founded in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the urgent need for dedicated support services for refugee women in Victoria. Our founder, Samia Baho, has over 25 years of experience in this field and saw the pandemic as a catalyst to establish a permanent solution. COAW has since grown into a state-wide organization, providing essential services and creating a safe space for African-Australian women to connect, learn, and thrive.
Our Mission Statement
Empowering Women, Shaping Futures
“We are dedicated to providing support and opportunities for marginalised women facing hardship, including single mothers, refugees, and women with disabilities.
Our mission is to foster independence, empowerment, and dignity through information, training, employment opportunities, and advocacy.”
Community Based Non-profit Organisation
The Center of Advancing women is a community based non-profit organization working to support Marginalized women who are slipping through the cracks and are being neglected by social.
COAW was established to Empower Women:
We are offering a holistic, culturally sensitive, and community-driven approach to supporting marginalized women, especially those from African diaspora.
COAW deeply understands the specific challenges these women face, by tailoring programs to their everyday realities, COAW addresses unique needs such as family violence, employment barriers, women’s health and mental health, with practical solutions like culturally informed car, flexible training and multilingual resources.
COAW’s personalized, culturally informed services foster long-term empowerment. By creating safe spaces and fostering long-term empowerment, COAW ensures women’s voices are heard, their experiences are validated, their unique needs are met and women regain control of their lives and achieve independence.
Promote Economic Independence:
Through targeted training and employment programs, we equip women with the skills they need to secure meaningful work, fostering financial independence and long-term stability.
Advocate for Women’s Rights:
We work to ensure that women, particularly those who are marginalised, understand and access their rights, including legal, social, fair employment opportunities and equal participation in community life.
Create Safe and Inclusive Spaces:
We offer safe environments where women can connect, share their experiences, and support one another, building resilience and a sense of community.
Collaborate for Broader Impact:
By partnering with other community organizations, businesses, and governmental agencies, we strive to create systemic changes that benefit women, advocating for policies and practices that promote gender equality and inclusion.
Address Barriers to Access:
Recognizing the diverse needs of women, we focus on removing barriers such as language, discrimination, cultural stigma, and lack of resources, ensuring women from all backgrounds can access the support they need.
Awareness and Prevention Programs:
we host workshops on a variety Prevention Programs. These workshops are designed to raise awareness, provide education, and equip women with the necessary tools to prevent harm and take proactive steps toward empowerment. Some of the key workshops we offer include: Domestic and Family Violence Prevention, Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention, Healthcare for Women, Reproductive Health, mental health and child protection and parenting
At the Centre of Advancing Women, we believe in the transformative power of community and connection, recognising that every woman has a unique story and potential waiting to be unveiled. Our holistic approach not only addresses immediate needs but also inspires long-term change, nurturing a supportive network where women can share their journeys, celebrate their achievements, and empower each other to rise above challenges.
By fostering collaboration and encouraging sisterhood, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that champions the voices of marginalised women, inspiring them to envision and pursue brighter futures filled with hope, resilience, and opportunity.
Success
Through personalized services, many disadvantaged women have been able to pursue vocational training, earn industry-recognized certifications, and secure employment. COAW has successfully trained 27 women from the African diaspora and placed 20 women into meaningful employment.
COAW hosts quarterly women’s fun and dancing events, attracting over 200 women and young girls at each gathering. These events create a vibrant and inclusive space for women to connect, sing, dance, celebrate, and enjoy cultural expressions. They foster a sense of community and joy, while promoting social cohesion and strengthening the bonds among diverse women.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Our team at COAW is a diverse group of professionals and volunteers committed to empowering refugee and migrant women.
With a wealth of experience in social work, community services, experience in women’s health, counselling and advocacy, among our volunteers, we proudly have speakers of 11 languages and dialects, reflecting the rich diversity and inclusivity of our organization.
Our team members bring unique skills and perspectives to our mission. Together, we strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every woman can thrive.
Samia Baho
Founder & CEO
Our Amazing Volunteers
Sanna Hamid
Eiman Zein
Roze Luang
Immaculate Abass
Ahmedin, kheria
Huda Sherafai
Amani Deffa
Yasmin Idris
Aziza Barmbras
Amal Adam
Aime Ebengo
Alin Masemo
Rakhi Thakur
Afrah Hangal
Shaza Ali
Tanvi Khanna
What Our Clients Say
CAW’s self-development program has been life-changing for me. It gave me the skills and confidence to move forward and the belief that I can create a better future for myself and my family.
Without the Center, I don’t know where I’d be today. They gave me the tools to rebuild my life and the confidence to stand up for myself. I’ll forever be grateful to CAW for stepping in when no one else would and for giving me the support I so desperately needed to start over.”
CAW gave me hope when everyone else turned their back on me. Without their unwavering support, I don’t know how I would’ve made it through. They believed in me when no one else did, and thanks to them, I’m now able to rebuild my life with strength and dignity.”
CAW did more than just listen – they took action. They re-wrote my case and connected me with a lawyer, supported me through the legal process, and even attended court with me. Their presence gave me the strength I needed to stand up to my abuser.
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Discover Our Services
Explore the range of support and services we offer to empower refugee women in Victoria. From community outreach to educational programs, find out how COAW can make a difference in your life or the lives of those you care about.