Founded in 2002, the All African Women’s Group is a self-help group of asylum and refugee women who have come together across nationality and often different sides of political conflicts to fight for their right to protection in the UK. Many have suffered rape and other torture, most are mothers and most are either completely destitute or living on asylum support benefits which are less than half of what other people on benefits get. Their fortnightly meetings, workshops and the training sessions coordinated by BWRAP and WAR attract over 50 women every week. Legal cases are discussed collectively and the experience of what works and what doesn’t is shared. Women team up to provide practical support such as accompanying each other to court. AAWG campaigns include fighting for mothers to be reunited with their children, against racism, to end destitution and detention, and for housing, healthcare, protection and resources for every woman. Find them on Facebook
See our latest short film: STOP the Family Courts aiding and abetting domestic abuse. Made by WAR & Support Not Separation. We are lobbying for the Domestic Abuse Bill to: recognise that domestic abuse victims are mostly women; provide vital resources so women and children can escape; extend all protections and resources to immigrant women … Read more
When did you come to the UK? I’ve been in the UK since 2002. I was forced to leave [Uganda] because I feared for my life. I was married to an extremely violent, controlling and powerful man who was able to abuse me and get away with it as he had many friends among the … Read more
SIGN THE PETITION HERE An Open Letter to the Prime Minister of the UK and the Taoiseach of Ireland cc: UK Home Secretary and UK Health Secretary, Irish Health Secretary and Irish Minister for Justice and Equality, All UK MPs, All Members of the Irish Parliament (the Oireachtas), All Leaders and CEOs of Local Authorities … Read more
Speaking at today’s self-help session (which BWRAP helps coordinate) Ms O described how the immigration judge at her appeal hearing intervened to stop the Home Office barrister from putting intrusive and upsetting questions to her about her experiences. One of the French-speaking sisters in the session translated for her – “I hardly knew what was … Read more
Dear Friends, As Christmas and the school holidays are almost here, we write to ask again if you could kindly donate to our annual Christmas appeal for destitute women and children in the All African Women’s Group (AAWG) — the self-help group of women asylum seekers based with us at the Crossroads Women’s Centre. About 2/3 … Read more
Residents of deprived Newham describe domestic abuse and hunger to Philip Alston Women in London have told the UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty they are bearing the brunt of government welfare cuts, and described how austerity has left infants homeless and exacerbated problems including overcrowded housing and domestic violence. More than a dozen women … Read more
Brigitte’s pro-bono legal team at Kingsley Napley have just announced that they will cover the full cost of her daughters air fares! Brigitte is overwhelmed by the kindness and the generosity, not only of her solicitors, but of everyone who has been moved to make immediate donations. A further £172 has been received so far. … Read more
We are the All African Women’s Group. Many of us have been in detention. We know the terrible impact it has. Women are on hunger strike right now against the torture of detention. We want an end to detention,but we do not want a worse alternative. We object particularly to the Family Returns Process Women … Read more
STOP PRESS: Emergency Demo Solidarity with Yarl’s Wood hunger strikers 4-5pm, Wed 28 Feb, outside the Home Office, Marsham Street, SW1P 4DF. Called by Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants: co-hosted with All African Women’s Group, Black Women’s Rape Action Project, Docs Not Cops, End Deportations, Right to Remain, SOAS Detainee Support, The London Latinxs, … Read more
Over 100 women in Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre began a hunger strike on Wednesday 21 February. The women from Avocet and Dove units along with a few men on the family wing are refusing food and are planning further protests. They have issued a statement with demands which include: 1. Shorter bail request period. … Read more
