A Winnipeg Non-Profit helps Muslim Refugees Find Their Way

Canadian Muslim Women Institute (CMWI) is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 2006 to help Muslim refugees to Winnipeg accommodate to life here. As refugees, they are here not by choice, but because of war or other difficult circumstances.

As she explains, food and shelter, are first concerns, and their organization has clothing available through donations, and a food bank that caters to needs for Halal food and other food requirements. 

There are many other things that they must learn about and overcome, she says. For example, the weather...they need to learn to dress appropriately: A sunny day does not mean a warm day. Learning English can take several years, depending on their availability of time. Many have children so schooling is important. Finding jobs presents more hurdles, particularly for women, most of whom are homemakers in their original countries. And there are cultural differences. The centre helps woman learn and also to meet with other women in similar situations,

Yasmin mentioned that their center is unique and different from other immigrant organizations. First, people who work there come from the same countries and cultures as their clients and have been through the same situations themselves, coming here as refugees. When the refugees come to CMWI, they first see people who are like themselves and speak their language. They immediately feel supported. They feel that the staff will understand them. Another thing is that most of our programs are offered in their first language.

CMWI works towards empowering women to become healthy and contributing Canadian society members. This is done, by understanding and focusing on the unique needs of the women.