Empowering refugee women through community development

A Q&A with Refugee Women's Network

Refugee Women’s Network (RWN) has inspired and equipped refugee and immigrant women in Decatur, Georgia, as leaders in their homes and communities for more than two decades. This women-led nonprofit builds on women’s existing strength and skills by offering robust programming focused on health, social adjustment, civic engagement, economic development, and leadership. During Women’s History Month in March—a moment celebrating women’s accomplishments and recognizing their struggles for empowerment—Welcome.US connected with Awaz Jabari, program manager at RWN, a Welcome.US partner, about their work.

The breadth and depth of your work at Refugee Women’s Network is amazing. Can you share why the organization started 25 years ago and how it has evolved its services to meet refugee and immigrant women where they are?

For 25 years, Refugee Women’s Network (RWN) has been dedicated to empowering refugee and immigrant women, equipping them with the tools to become self-sufficient and active participants in their communities. Founded by a group of highly skilled refugee and immigrant women, RWN was created to address the unique challenges these women face—including language barriers, limited access to resources, cultural adjustments, and social integration.

Through the Women’s Economic Empowerment Program, Chef’s Club, and Lending Circles, RWN equips women with the skills and financial literacy needed to secure jobs, build careers, and start businesses. The program provides job readiness training, connections to employment opportunities, and small business mentorship that ensures women gain financial independence and long-term stability.

The social adjustment program addresses critical needs that help women navigate life in the U.S. by connecting them with essential services, healthcare providers, housing resources, and educational opportunities.

Recognizing the importance of physical and mental well-being, RWN offers activities such as hiking, baking classes, and swimming lessons. These health programs promote overall health while fostering social connections and community engagement.

RWN also actively encourages civic participation by educating refugee and immigrant communities on voter registration, the U.S. Census, and social justice issues. In 2024, RWN helped residents of Georgia register to vote and understand the importance of civic engagement in shaping their futures.

The organization’s youth program supports refugee and immigrant youth (ages 15-24) as they transition into school, the workforce, or college by providing health education, financial literacy, civic advocacy, resume building, job placements, language support, and mentorship.

These initiatives enable RWN to foster leadership, financial independence, and community integration for refugee and immigrant women, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to thrive.

What issues are most prevalent for the refugee and immigrant women you serve?

In addition to challenges with healthcare, mental health, protection, and social inclusion, one of the most pressing issues refugee and immigrant women face is economic stability. Many arrive with limited financial resources, no credit history, and significant barriers to employment due to language limitations, unrecognized credentials, or caregiving responsibilities. This economic instability often compounds other challenges, making it harder to access healthcare, escape unsafe situations, or fully integrate into their new communities.

Through our programs—such as the Women’s Economic Empowerment Program, Chef’s Club, and Lending Circles—we provide the tools, resources, and support needed to help women achieve financial independence, build sustainable careers, and create strong community networks. By addressing economic barriers, we empower women to take control of their futures and thrive.

Community health stands out as a focal point of RWN’s programs, offering women everything from guidance on vaccinations to wellness groups to recreational opportunities. Why is health education and activity important?

Health education and activity are essential in empowering refugee and immigrant women to take control of their well-being, navigate healthcare systems, and build healthier futures for themselves and their families.

Additionally, physical activity and wellness groups play a vital role in improving mental well-being by reducing isolation, building confidence, and strengthening community ties. Whether through hiking, baking classes, swimming lessons, or nutrition workshops, these activities encourage women to prioritize their health while connecting with others.

RWN’s Mothers-to-Mothers Program provides peer support for mothers navigating pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting in a new country, offering culturally responsive guidance and a supportive community. Similarly, the Daughters-to-Daughters Program equips young women with the knowledge and confidence to make informed health decisions, access resources, and build strong peer connections.

By integrating health education with community-based activities, RWN ensures that refugee and immigrant women have the knowledge, resources, and support to lead healthier, more independent lives.

How do you inspire and prepare women for the workforce or to become entrepreneurs and leaders?

We are deeply committed to empowering women by helping them build on their existing strengths and talents. One of the key ways we do this is through our economic empowerment initiatives, which are designed to inspire and prepare women for the workforce, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles.

Our Teacher Pipeline Program in collaboration with International Community School (ICS) offers refugee and immigrant women the opportunity to pursue careers in education. Women receive the tools, training, and support to become educators in local schools, addressing the critical need for culturally competent teachers while empowering women to take leadership roles in shaping the next generation.

Our CDA, or Child Development Associate Program, in partnership with Frazer Center, supports women interested in early childhood education careers. This program provides comprehensive training, including hands-on experience in childcare and development, that helps women to gain certification and work in daycare centers, preschools, and other early childhood education settings.

And related to economic empowerment, we could have an entire interview on Chef’s Club! How has this cohort program helped to empower refugee and immigrant women?

Chef’s Club is a transformative program for refugee and immigrant women, providing them with the tools and support needed to turn their passion for food into successful, sustainable businesses. This innovative cohort-based program combines hands-on culinary training, mentorship, and essential business education, enabling women to launch food-based ventures such as catering services, pop-up restaurants, and packaged goods.

One of the strengths of Chef’s Club is its ability to build confidence and financial independence. While many participants come into the program with extraordinary culinary talents, they often lack the knowledge and experience needed to navigate the complexities of running a business. Chef’s Club bridges this gap by offering training on licensing, food safety, marketing, and business planning. Through practical workshops, networking opportunities, and access to fully equipped commercial kitchen spaces, participants gain the skills and resources to develop and scale their food enterprises.

At its core, Chef’s Club is much more than just a cooking program—it's a powerful vehicle for women to gain entrepreneurial skills, leadership abilities, and community connections that empower them to thrive both professionally and personally. Through participation in food markets, pop-up shops, and community events, women gain visibility, attract customers, and build their personal brands. These opportunities boost financial independence, enhance self-esteem, and increase pride in their work.

How can Welcomers support your work at Refugee Women’s Network?

One of the most important ways Welcomers can support our work is by volunteering their time and skills through mentorship, assisting with program delivery, or helping in administrative tasks. This allows RWN to reach more women and provide them with the services they need to thrive.

Additionally, Welcomers can share resources and networking opportunities. For example, connecting RWN with potential funding sources, community partners, or job opportunities for the women we serve can have a significant impact on their empowerment and success.

Welcomers can also amplify our mission by spreading awareness of our programs and advocating for refugee and immigrant women in their communities. By attending and promoting events, engaging on social media, and participating in local advocacy efforts, Welcomers can help increase visibility and support of our initiatives.

Ultimately, through their involvement, Welcomers play a crucial role in helping us continue to empower women and create stronger, more inclusive communities.