Through a Co-Design partnership with Yale School of Medicine’s Program for Recovery and Community Health (PRCH), CRIW launched the Women’s Leadership Group to train, support and mentor underserved, mostly preliterate Afghan women as community leaders and advocates. Women leaders bring forward shared community challenges, build problem-solving skills, and engage with community stakeholders to share their experiences and co-create meaningful, local solutions. The result has been tangible changes that strengthen community connection and well-being, while building women’s confidence and self-agency.

Building upon the success of the pilot program, graduates continue to meet monthly with the CRIW team, where we support and honor the women’s own voices for change. Structural and cultural barriers are addressed by holding meetings within walking distance and providing paid on-site childcare and interpretation by refugee women.