Over 70% of refugees are women. Many have been widowed or have lost children to violence, and most have been oppressed and victimized in their home countries. Women refugees often struggle with chronic depression and anxiety, making it difficult for them to integrate successfully into a new society.

The Women's Empowerment Program (WEP) was founded to meet the needs of women refugees. Its overall purpose is to help women become self-sufficient while also building community in their new home of Chicago. From decreasing social isolation and facilitating clients' achievement, to increasing English language skills and enhancing employability, WEP works in partnership with women to help empower their integration into mainstream US culture with respect to their traditions, culture and religious beliefs.

Since its inception, the Women's Empowerment Program has listened closely to the needs of project beneficiaries, and incorporated these needs into our program design. As a result, this program has grown exponentially in direct response to their concerns and requests. The Program is free of charge.

The Women's Empowerment Program includes five components:

Mentorship and Befriending.
Individualized, one-on-one mentorship is invaluable. Volunteers and clients are matched and get together weekly to practice English, cook, talk or help solve daily dilemmas. The connection achieved in these relationships is key to helping women find more grounding in their new society.

English Classes.
Specially designed for pre-literate and semi-literate refugee and immigrant women, English classes are offered at two sites in Albany Park and Rogers Park. Childcare is provided on-site.

Educational Workshops.
Monthly workshops help teach important life skills and provide opportunities for women to create community. Recent workshop topics include HIV/AIDS and domestic violence prevention, home safety and winterizing, and a cooking class.

Fieldtrips.
Monthly fieldtrips introduce women and their families to the Chicagoland area, and expose them to the how-to of life in the US. Recent fieldtrips have included the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, a World Music Concert on the Magnificent Mile, Ravinia Park, and the Garfield Park Conservatory on Chicago’s West Side.

Sewing Classes and New Hope Women's Sewing Cooperative. Teaching sewing and entrepreneurial skills in an interactive, hands-on forum, sewing classes and co-op are fun and allow women to gain employable skill sets.

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For more information about the Women's Program, contact: