CRIW’s Initiative

Women’s Leadership Group

Amplifying Voices • Growing Leadership • Building Community Connections & Change

Supported through a partnership with Yale School of Medicine's Program for Recovery and Community Health (PRCH), CRIW launched the Women's Leadership Group in 2024 to create opportunities for underserved Afghan women—many with little or no formal education—to share issues of common concern, strengthen their skills as community leaders and advocates and provide opportunities for direct engagement with community partners, ensuring their voices inform meaningful local solutions.

The result is stronger community connections, practical solutions shaped by women's lived experiences, and growing confidence, leadership, and self-agency among the women themselves.

Overview

AREAS OF FOCUS

COMMUNITY GUESTS & PARTNERS

  • “It was a big encouragement to be part of the Women’s Leadership Group. When we solved issues, we felt so proud that we could help our own community.”

    - Taban, Women’s Leadership Group Participant

  • “My husband and son are referring to me as a leader, and say that I am important.”

    - Laila, Women’s Leadership Group Participant

  • “I believe my voice is very powerful, and I believe that we can make positive changes in the community.”

    - Soraya, Women’s Leadership Group Participant

  • “New Haven Adult Educations’ Erica Walden listened patiently to us and made big changes by providing us with an English class.”

    - Mina, Women’s Leadership Group Participant

  • “New Haven Legal Assistance gave us a lot of good information. I have been living in New Haven for eight years and never knew about our rights or resources. It was very important.”

    - Roya, Women’s Leadership Group Participant

IMG_9869.JPG
IMG_2339.JPG
IMG_4068.jpeg
CRIW + NewHavenLegalAssistanceAttorneys leading the Workshop on _RentersRights_.JPG
IMG_9795.jpeg
IRIS + New Haven Public Schools.JPG
IMG_2336.jpeg
WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2026-10-15%2Bat%2B14.54.07.jpg

Gratitude to our Partners