Standing in Solidarity with women struggling against war in Ukraine and women striving for gender equality in Iran and Afghanistan, KMEWO partnered with the NRPF Team of Islington Council and HealthProm to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023, on Thursday March 9, at Caxton House.

The event was dedicated to the resilience of UK’s migrant refugee women arriving from conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Iran and Ukraine. We created safe spaces for over 90 women to come together, share their stories, socialise and enjoy some valuable time. Survivors shared inspiring stories which were a guiding light of fortitude and resilience for rebuilding their lives from zero.

Keynote speakers included Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North Labour Party, Madam Mayor, Marianne Spall as well as Councillor Roulin Khondoker, Executive Member of Equalities, Culture and Inclusion for Islington were present on the day to reaffirm their solidarity and support to all migrant and refugee women.

Chaired by KMEWO’s Director, Sawsan Salim, the IWD joint event also included keynote comments from Director of Operations at HealtProm, Tanya Buynovskaya and Ukrainian OpensDoorProjectUK Coordinator at Healthprom, Diana Mark. Both organisations presented the holistic services they provide to newly arrived migrant and refugees in Islington. The event continued with live music performances, a short session of Ukrainian dances and Mediterranean food.

KMEWO distributed donations kindly received by Church Homeless Trust to service users who attended the event as part of our support to the rise of cost of living. We are grateful to all of our funders and donors as well as the NRPF Team of Islington Council for their ongoing support. Our heartfelt thanks also go to more than 15 volunteers among the service users who gladly dedicated their time and helped during the day.