About Us

History of Union of Refugee women

The organization was established by refugee women who demonstrated unwavering courage and solidarity to support each other in overcoming various challenges.

The initial impetus for URW's formation came from a tragic incident involving a widow whose husband had committed suicide in Durban. Despite the collective efforts of URW members to support the widow, she eventually passed away, leaving behind a child who also tragically passed away a few months later. This heartbreaking event fueled the determination of URW members to come together and address the difficulties faced by vulnerable refugee women in Durban.

URW embarked on several projects aimed at empowering refugee women and addressing the needs of their communities. These projects included:

1. Cultural Dance Project: This initiative provided refugee women with an outlet to release and trauma while expressing their emotions through dance. Participating in cultural dance performances also enabled URW members to build networks, connect with others, and access new opportunities.
2. Sewing Project: URW initiated a sewing project to provide refugee women with skills training and income-generating opportunities. By learning sewing skills, women were empowered to create their own livelihoods and become more self-reliant.
3. Catering Project: Another initiative undertaken by URW was the catering project, which likely provided training and employment opportunities for refugee women in the culinary arts. This project not only helped women gain valuable skills but also contributed to their economic independence.
4. Awareness of Women and Children's Rights: URW focused on raising awareness about the rights of women and children, advocating for their protection and empowerment within the community.

In addition to these projects, URW established an affordable Day-care Centre (Children's Care Centre) to provide childcare services for disadvantaged families, including both nationals and non-nationals. This initiative played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of children and relieving refugee women of caregiving responsibilities, enabling them to pursue income-generating activities or further their education.

Despite its noble goals and impactful projects, URW faced financial challenges that hindered the organization's ability to fully achieve its objectives. However, the organization remains committed to addressing issues affecting vulnerable women and children, striving for a brighter future for all members of the community.

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