8 Expo supporting partners Representatives with 8 Refugee Women Led Organization’s leader
Empowering Refugee Women Expo 2023 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In a vibrant celebration of resilience and empowerment, the Empowering Refugee Women Expo 2023 was hosted by the Asia School of Business (ASB) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on November 28th. The expo, an integral part of the “Refugee Women and Girls – Key to the Global Compact on Refugees” project of WAGAR Groupe led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia, featured the exceptional work of eight refugee women-led groups including Rohingya Refugees team in Kuala Lumpur.
The theme, Of Expo “Breaking Barriers and Building Futures,” encapsulated the essence of the event, showcasing the talents and entrepreneurship of women from seven diverse refugee communities—Afghanistan, Somalia, Chin, Yemen, Pakistan, Sudan, Rohingya refugees,
Backed by WAGAR Eight projects managers were handed “Certificate Of Appreciation” in ERW EXPO 2023
Distinguished Guests of Honor graced the occasion, including Y.M Tengku Dato’ Dr. Hishammuddin Zaizi, Director of IKHASAS Group and Chairman of Amal THZ, who also serves as the Patron of Ocean Hero Conservation.
Thomas Albrecht, the Representative of the UNHCR in Malaysia, and Deborah Priya Henry, Founder of Fugee.Org and Miss Universe Malaysia 2011, also lent their unwavering support.
Honorable guests (top laft to right) Y.M Tengku Dato’ Dr. Hishammuddin Zaizi, Director of IKHASAS Group and Chairman of Amal THZ.
Thomas Albrecht, the Representative of the UNHCR in Malaysia, and Deborah Priya Henry, Founder of fugee.org and Miss Universe Malaysia 2011.
Dr.Linda. Dr. Leena Al-Mujahed, Hafsa Khanom (down left to the right) were raised their voices in ERW Expo 2023.
The RRW- Rohingya Resilient Women team of refugees showcased their skills and resilience
The RRW- Rohingya Resilient Women team showcased their skills and resilience at the Empowering Refugee Women Expo 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Rohingya refugees women team demonstrated their talent in crafting stitched clothing and presented authentic Rohingya foods. Distinguished guests had the opportunity to experience the rich flavors of Rohingya cuisine, appreciating the team’s culinary expertise.
Eight project managers from 7 refugee communities received a Certificate of Appreciation for Empowering Refugee Women.
A RRW member showing her talent with stitched clothing and authentic Rohingya foods in ERW Expo 2023
the ERW EXPO were resonated among the attendees through participating in workshops
Attendees had the unique opportunity to engage in workshops that ranged from practical self-defense techniques to the delicate art of earring making, cake decoration, handcrafts, and henna art. The interactive sessions imparted valuable skills and fostered a sense of community and shared strength among the participants.
Refugee women showing their enthusiasm to attendees who were engaged in a ERW Expo 2023 workshop
A heartfelt thank you resonates through the corridors of the expo, directed towards the pillars of support that contributed to its resounding success. The Asia School of Business, University Malaya, UNSW in Australia, the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network, UNHCR Malaysia, Asylum Access Malaysia, and Tenaganita stand as beacons of solidarity, demonstrating that collective efforts can indeed make a profound impact on the lives of refugee women.
Adding to the event’s impact, Malaysian media giants “The Star” newspaper and popular TV network “Astro Awani” played a commendable role as media partners. Their exceptional coverage and appreciation for this remarkable expo further amplified its reach and significance and helps to create a positive attitude to refugees in malaysia including Rohingya. The collaboration with influential media outlets helped shed light on the inspiring stories.
honorable guest were served with “Durus Kura” (Whole Roasted Spring Chicken) and “Ludi Pida” di “Gorur Gusso” (Rice Flour Bread with beef stew), Chonabut(chickpeas), fiyaju (lentil croquet), Dhuu Pira (Steam Rice Cake)
–(photo by Dari_Dapur)
it increased self-confidence of Rohingya refugees Women fighting for gender-based violence, and other challenges
This accomplishment of ERW EXPO 2023 is an excellent achievement for refugees incorporating Rohingya Women, emphasizing the importance of breaking barriers and building futures in their journey toward empowerment.
The Wagar group, active since 2017, has conducted numerous programs, including skills-building and education workshops, aimed at empowering women who have experienced sexual violence.
The overarching goal of the Wagar group is to promote gender equality and drive positive change within refugees through women’s empowerment. the expo emphasized the transformative impact of their programs, noting that women involved have gained increased self-confidence, knowledge about gender-based violence, its root causes, and strategies for self-protection.
Hafsa Khanom, Dr. Leena Al-Mujahed, Dr.Linda in a frame (left to the right)
The expo, meticulously organized and overseen by the inspiring Linda Bartolomei, Senior Lecturer and co-convener of the Forced Migration Research Network at UNSW.
This expo witnessed dedicated coordination and effort from YRWO founder Dr. Leena Al-Mujahed and RRW – Rohingya Resilient Women founder and Rohingya women leader Hafsa Khanom.
This event not only celebrated the diversity and resilience of refugee women but also emphasized their potential as critical contributors to the global refugee compact.
on a workshop for attendees Rohingya Refugees in malysia shearing their skills those gain
the expo is an amalgamation of Refugee led organizations by women from 7 refugee communities living in Malaysia
A spotlight shines on the Refugee Women Empowerment and Resilience Across Communities (RWERAC) Consortium, an amalgamation of 8 organizations led by women from 7 refugee communities living in Malaysia, such as the:
Honorable Guests visiting expo booths
- Yemeni Refugee Women Organization (YRWO),
- Somali Women’s Association Malaysia (SWAM),
- Myanmar Ethnic Women Refugee Organization(MEWRO)
- Rohingya Women Development Network (RWDN),
- The RRW – Rohingya Resilient Women,
- Sudanese Refugee Women Support Group (SRWSG),
- Afghan Support Group (ASG),
- Lady Ayaz Sewing Center (LASC).
Hafsa Khanom Founder of RRW With Thomas Albrecht
ERW Expo 2023 already in a new innovative way of "WAGAR Consortium- 2024" and it will continue beyond for all Refugees as well as Rohingya
Their dedication and enthusiasm for that event are genuinely inspiring and meant a lot for local and global women., embodying the spirit of unity and empowerment. As the echoes of the Empowering Refugee Women Expo 2023 linger, the memories of a day filled with creativity, resilience, and empowerment continue to the next as already “WAGAR Consortium- 2024” and it will continue to inspire hope for a future where every woman, regardless of her origin, has the opportunity to break barriers and build a brighter and more empowered future. For more information and to relive the moments, visit erw-expo.com.
