WHO WE ARE
Founded in New Haven in 2020, CRIW partners with underserved refugee and immigrant women whose voices are often unheard and who face multiple, intersecting barriers to accessing education, resources, and opportunities. Many have had little or no access to formal education due to war, displacement, and gender inequality. Working alongside women, we address these barriers by creating pathways for learning, leadership, advocacy, and well-being.
OUR APPROACH
Creating with women, not for them is at the heart of our approach. Every initiative begins by listening. We believe women are best positioned to identify the challenges they face and help shape solutions. Through collaborative co-design, we identify priorities, build on strengths, and develop meaningful, community-driven solutions together.
IMPACT AREAS
Our programs expand opportunities for literacy and education, strengthen leadership and advocacy, promote health and well-being, create pathways for economic opportunity, and build community connections. We bring women and cross-sector stakeholders together to foster mutual learning, deepen understanding, and drive meaningful community-led change.
Our Process
We Begin by Listening
Our initiatives start by listening to women whose voices are too often unheard. We seek to understand their experiences, needs, strengths, and the priorities that matter most to them.
We Partner
As the foundation for meaningful collaborations, we create a safe space to build trust where women can be partners and experts in shaping the work we do together.
We Foster Cross-Sector Collaboration
We connect women with nonprofit organizations and partners across government, education, healthcare, and other sectors to co-create programs and develop solutions that reflect women’s lived experiences and priorities.
We Advance Community-Led Change
Community-led solutions strengthen families, communities, and the systems that serve them.
Our Initiatives: At a Glance
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Building collective power with mostly preliterate Afghan women through leadership training and civic engagement. Selected by their community, the women represent diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. They bring community needs, concerns, and challenges to the group, engaging with invited stakeholders across sectors to foster mutual learning, build understanding, and explore solutions together. The group meets monthly, with onsite childcare provided to support participation.
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Expanding educational opportunities for refugee and immigrant mothers who have had limited or no access to existing English language learning programs. Coordinated by CRIW, this community-designed, neighborhood-based family literacy program offers English and digital literacy classes taught by our partners at New Haven Adult Education, alongside onsite childcare and preschool enrichment. Together, these opportunities create a welcoming space where women build practical skills, confidence, and independence to navigate everyday life and participate more fully in their communities.
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Centering women’s voices and lived experiences, CRIW is facilitating two culturally responsive co-design projects focused on emotional well-being, chronic health conditions, and caregiving.
In collaboration with Yale School of Medicine’s Program for Recovery and Community Health (PRCH), trained Dari- and Pashto-speaking Afghan women serving as research partners are meeting with community members to explore their lived experiences and strengths, identify systemic barriers and community priorities, and inform future community-led initiatives and systems change.
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Building health literacy and confidence among Afghan women through accessible, culturally responsive workshops focused on topics that matter to women and their families.
In partnership with Yale School of Medicine and Yale School of Nursing, CRIW creates welcoming spaces where women can ask questions, share experiences, and strengthen their agency in navigating healthcare systems and making informed decisions about their health.
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Preserving traditional Afghan sewing, embroidery, and rug weaving through a peer-led initiative that brings women together to share skills, celebrate cultural heritage, and build community connections. Zar Tar creates opportunities for women to strengthen confidence, develop leadership skills, and explore pathways to economic independence. Learn More
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Nurturing connections and fostering collaboration with individuals, organizations, and cross-sector stakeholders to exchange knowledge and resources, celebrate community, strengthen existing programs, develop meaningful new initiatives, and collectively advocate for justice and equity.
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Using multiple artistic platforms, we reduced barriers to self-expression, creating opportunities for preliterate Afghan women whose voices are often unheard to share their stories. Through community exhibits and events, we brought neighbors together to learn from women's experiences, build understanding, and strengthen community connections.
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Our Impact
500+
23
Women achieved documented English language gains
Women leading & learning across CRIW initiatives
800+
30
Community members building stronger, more connected communities
Community organizations collaborating to advance shared solutions with greater impact
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