Empower Your Future: Financial Freedom Workshop for Survivor

On 24 March 2026, the Kurdish and Middle Eastern Women’s Organisation delivered a Financial Empowerment Workshop for women survivors, facilitated by our Zeinab, VAWG Case Worker at KMEWO.

Taking place shortly after Eid, Nowruz and International Women’s Day, the workshop was delivered as a meaningful and timely gift to the women we support, celebrating resilience, new beginnings and empowerment. The session brought women together in a safe and welcoming environment, creating space for learning, discussion and connection. The workshop was delivered in English, Arabic and Kurdish Sorani, ensuring that participants could fully engage and access the information in their preferred language.

Participants were seated in an open setting that encouraged interaction, allowing them to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing reflections. The workshop provided essential information on welfare benefits available to survivors and their children, including Universal Credit, UC50 Work Capability Assessment, Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance for children, housing support, Child Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. Complex systems were explained in a clear and practical way so that women could better understand their entitlements and how to access them.

The session also highlighted a key issue affecting many survivors, where women become the sole carers of their children after fleeing domestic abuse, but the perpetrator continues to receive Child Benefit. Participants were supported to understand how to address this, including how to contact the Child Benefit Office, the importance of updating claims, the meaning of NRPF and the role of MVDAC processes in supporting access to benefits and safeguarding financial rights.

A key focus of the workshop was financial safety and protection from financial abuse. Participants explored practical ways to maintain control over their finances, including ensuring they have access to their own email and telephone for Universal Credit accounts, keeping login details secure and understanding the risks of sharing personal information with new or untrusted partners. The discussion also covered online banking safety and what to expect financially as children grow older and complete full-time education.

The workshop also introduced benefit maximisation, including understanding Local Housing Allowance rates and how to ensure individuals are receiving their full entitlements. Guidance was provided on transitioning into employment, helping participants understand how work can be combined with benefits and supporting women to take steps toward long term financial independence.

The workshop was fully attended with ten women participating. The atmosphere was highly interactive, with participants actively listening, asking questions and supporting one another.

Each participant received a carefully prepared bundle which included a leaflet with key information, a notebook and pen to record important points and a handmade flower gift symbolising growth and new beginnings.

The session increased participants’ understanding of financial support systems and strengthened their confidence to take control of their financial situations. Women left feeling more informed, empowered and equipped with knowledge they can use for themselves and share within their communities.

KMEWO continues to provide culturally sensitive support that helps women build independence, resilience and safer futures.

ENDS.