MISSION: Refugee Women’s Network is a national nonprofit organization created by women for women, that focuses on enhancing refugee and immigrant women’s strengths, skills, and courage through leadership training, education and advocacy to promote independence, self-sufficiency and networking among its participants.
HISTORY: In 1995, a handful of thoughtful and committed women from around the world formed the Refugee Women's Network, Inc., with a vision to be the catalyst that empowers refugee and immigrant women to reclaim their collective voices and reach their full participation through active participation and taking leadership roles in their local, national, and international communities. The founding women were all refugees to the United States, and had experienced the resettlement process personally and as caseworkers in social service agencies that provided support to refugees. Through their collective experience, they knew that women’s skills, courage, and experiences were not adequately supported by the resettlement process.
For the past 16 years, RWN has maintained its commitment to promoting leadership, independence, self-sufficiency, advocacy, and networking for refugee, asylee, and immigrant women. Since 1995, over 3,500 women representing 40 different ethnic groups and countries of origin have benefitted from RWN's programs. They are now located in 30 states in the United States.
