WHO WE ARE
CAWA is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting, supporting, and empowering Arab women in the Waterloo Region and Guelph. We serve as a bridge, linking Arab women to each other and to the broader Canadian society, in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5): Gender Equality. Through a diverse array of engaging events and programs, we strive to create inclusive spaces where Arab women can thrive. By facilitating access to essential resources and opportunities, we aim to break down social and financial barriers, empowering women to realize their full potential and contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10): Reduced Inequalities.
At the heart of our mission lies the belief in community power. We are dedicated to cultivating a culture of mutual respect, support, and empowerment among Arab women, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends boundaries. In doing so, we not only promote gender equality but also contribute to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by fostering social cohesion and inclusivity.
As a women-based organization, diversity is woven into the fabric of our identity. We advocate for equal treatment and equitable opportunities for every Arab woman and girl, regardless of background or belief. Our unwavering commitment lies in enhancing the well-being of Arab women across Waterloo Region and Guelph, fostering their seamless integration and active engagement in Canadian society.
OUR VISION
For every Arab woman to feel empowered, confident, supported, and encouraged to achieve her hopes, goals, and dreams.
OUR MISSION
To provide a safe and supportive network for Arab women by connecting them with resources, offering supportive programs, and empowering them to be active, successful community citizens. CAWA strives to enable Arab women and younger girls to make a positive impact in their lives, their families’ lives, and their communities.
OUR STORY
In Waterloo Region, Asma Alwahsh, a Jordanian immigrant, empowers Arab women through CAWA, the organization she founded. CAWA provides vital support, from language classes to career workshops, celebrating Arab heritage while helping women thrive in a new land. Asma’s vision challenges stereotypes and advocates for Arab women’s rights, fostering a future where every woman can reach her full potential. Today, CAWA stands as a beacon of resilience and empowerment, breaking barriers and inspiring dreams in the community.
2012
Asma Alwahsh, an Arab woman from Jordan, immigrated to Canada. She quickly realized the profound disconnect between Arab women in her Waterloo community, as well as the lack of accessible, culturally sensitive, and barrier-free resources and opportunities.
Asma saw how many women struggled to feel like they belonged in Canadian society. She saw first-hand how many women couldn’t find employment because of their broken English. She saw how many women struggled to find answers to questions they had because, most of the time, they didn’t know who to ask. She saw how many women felt isolated in a new country thousands of miles away from their families and friends.
2016
And so, CAWA was born. Asma knew that Arab women in the Waterloo Region needed and deserved a community in which they could feel safe, supported, and understood. They deserved resources and the same chance to succeed as anyone else.
With a grant from the United Way and the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, the “CAWA Community Group” was established in the form of weekly social gatherings.
2018
CAWA became an officially registered and recognized nonprofit organization in Canada, referred to then as the Arab Women of Waterloo Region.
2021
Text to be added
TODAY
CAWA has grown to support thousands of women in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph, and we hope to continue to increase our outreach. Changing our name to reflect our goal and mission of inclusiveness within our community, we are now known as the Canadian Arab Women’s Association.
OUR STORY
OUR STORY
2012
Asma Alwahsh, an Arab woman from Jordan, immigrated to Canada. She quickly realized the profound disconnect between Arab women in her Waterloo community, as well as the lack of accessible, culturally sensitive, and barrier-free resources and opportunities.
Asma saw how many women struggled to feel like they belonged in Canadian society. She saw first-hand how many women couldn’t find employment because of their broken English. She saw how many women struggled to find answers to questions they had because, most of the time, they didn’t know who to ask. She saw how many women felt isolated in a new country thousands of miles away from their families and friends.
2016
And so, CAWA was born. Asma knew that Arab women in the Waterloo Region needed and deserved a community in which they could feel safe, supported, and understood. They deserved resources and the same chance to succeed as anyone else.
With a grant from the United Way and the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, the “CAWA Community Group” was established in the form of weekly social gatherings.
2018
CAWA became an officially registered and recognized nonprofit organization in Canada, referred to then as the Arab Women of Waterloo Region.
TODAY
CAWA has grown to support thousands of women in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph, and we hope to continue to increase our outreach. Changing our name to reflect our goal and mission of inclusiveness within our community, we are now known as the Canadian Arab Women’s Association.
