Empowering Growth: Sefa’s Partnership with Afghan Women on the Move
By Gabrielle King, Senior Manager - Impact and Engagement
When Maryam Zahid arrived in Australia, she saw firsthand the struggles Afghan and multicultural women faced—isolation, financial hardship, and the trauma of displacement. Determined to create change, she founded Afghan Women on the Move (AWOTM) to help women find their voice, gain independence, and thrive in their new home.
AWOTM challenges cultural norms, equipping women with practical life skills and emotional support to navigate life in Australia. In just a few years, AWOTM has delivered 60+ programs, from financial literacy and digital skills training to mental health support and storytelling workshops—helping hundreds of women build confidence, economic security, and a sense of belonging.
To help AWOTM amplify its impact, Sefa partnered with the team to develop an Impact Framework, strengthen governance and financial capability, and craft a compelling pitch presentation. These tools have not only built a stronger foundation for the organisation but also helped new board members align with AWOTM’s mission and vision.
”I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding work SEFA has done in supporting Afghan Women on the Move. SEFA helped us translate our vision, thoughts, and actions into a coherent plan, which has made a significant difference in strengthening our organisational structure. Their expertise has not only built a solid foundation for the organisation but also made it easier for our new board members to understand and align with our programs, mission, and vision.
As the CEO of a new start-up organisation, navigating the complexities of both cultural and systemic barriers has been challenging. SEFA’s foundational and strategic work, along with the deep understanding Gabriellae and Sophie have of both the system and the cultural dynamics we face, has been invaluable. They’ve provided crucial support in addressing cultural sensitivities while helping us overcome organisational and skill-based challenges.
On behalf of Afghan Women on the Move, I extend my heartfelt thanks to SEFA for their incredible professionalism, commitment, and outstanding work. Their impact on our journey has been immense, and we look forward to building on what SEFA has helped us create” - Maryam Zahid, CEO, Afghan Women on the Move
AWOTM is an example of what happens when grassroots leadership is supported with the right skills and resources. With strengthened governance and a clear impact framework, the organisation is better positioned than ever to expand its programs and deepen its support for the women who need it most.