Promoting the rights of women seeking asylum in the UK
Women Asylum Seekers Together (WAST)
Women Asylum Seekers Together (WAST), London, is a self-support group set up and run by women seeking asylum and for women seeking asylum in the UK. We meet on the second Saturday of every month, from 2pm - 5pm at PRAXIS Community Centre, Pott Street, Bethnal Green (Map).
Download the Women Asylum Seekers Together flyer in Microsoft Word format
Our aim is to support each other, wherever we come from, whatever persecution we have been through, whatever our age, and whatever stage of the asylum process we are at. Some women who come are destitute, some have now finally got refugee status; all are welcome.
We provide a warm, friendly and comfortable space to meet, chat, learn and share information. Speakers from different asylum support agencies come to most meetings to provide information, advice and signposting to other agencies.
We can pay your travel expenses (£5 for everyone), and provide some food and drink. Children are very welcome.
Meet women from Women Asylum Seekers Together at these events!
Feminism in London conference, 11 October www.fil.btik.com
Marjorie Nshemere Ojule will speak about her own experiences of seeking asylum Yeukai Taruvinga will lead a workshop on women in the UK asylum system With a theme of "the power of women", the day will feature some of the many feminist activist groups that are campaigning in and around London. There will be talks, workshops and a chance to network.
Reclaim the Night rally, 22 November www.reclaimthenight.org
Marjorie Nshemere Ojule will speak at the rally. Join her and over 2000 marchers - put your feet on the streets for women
If you would like to know more email wastlondon@yahoo.co.uk or call 07852 765 193. If you do not have credit, we can call you back.
We took our inspiration from Women Asylum Seekers Together (WAST), Manchester, who, after four years of determination and courage, now have over 50 women that attend their weekly groups, support each other in running individual campaigns, speak at events, and have received coverage in the national press. Like WAST Manchester, we believe that our strength is in ourselves; we make our group what it is. We believe that this is empowering.
Volunteer with WAST
If you would like to help out with WAST, London, when our group meets, please contact Women for Refugee Women at wrw@womankind.org.uk for more information.