We want to share the news with you that our deputy director Marchu Girma is leaving us to lead the charity Hibiscus Initiatives. Marchu has been a vital part of Women for Refugee Women for 10 years, and has really grown and shaped the organisation. She has brought her own experience of being a refugee woman into the charity, and has led our work to ensure that refugee women are supported to join and lead our work at every level.  She has been an inspiration and a mentor to many of us, and a great spokeswoman for refugee women.

We are sorry that she is leaving us, but wish her so much luck in her new role.

Marchu says:

“I joined WRW as a Grassroots Co-ordinator, when the organisation had just started. It has been such a privilege to see and be part of the transformation, growth and success of the organisation. The refugee women in the network are my inspiration. I have and always will be in awe of their strength and determination to not only survive but thrive. It was a huge privilege to work with them and see their transformation on journeys of empowerment. I truly believe their stories can and will change the world, so keep telling them!

It has also been my great privilege to work with an exceptionally dedicated and skilled team. Thank you for your support in helping me grow, develop and become the leader I am today. I really believe we lived up to Angela Davis’s words that everyday we acted as if it were possible to radically transform the world and we did it all the time.

It is with great sadness that I leave Women for Refugee Women. I am sure that whatever the future holds for the charity, I know that it will be one of success!”

Natasha Walter, director of Women for Refugee Women, says:

“Marchu has been a guide and inspiration for me, as well as a valued colleague. She has been a great part of the success of Women for Refugee Women over the last ten years, and has built a powerful model of support and engagement for refugee women who join our activities, so that they can move on a journey into confidence and empowerment. She has organised conferences, co-written reports, led actions, supported individual women, and built coalitions. She has constantly spoken up for refugee women and their potential to contribute and lead in every area of our society. Everyone at Women for Refugee Women has benefited so much from Marchu’s courageous and creative spirit, and wish her all the best in her next role.”

Olivia, member of  Women for Refugee Women’s grassroots network, says:

“Marchu has been a brilliant mentor to so many women. Her contribution has been so empowering and has opened up so many doors for me. She has made space for many women with lived experience in the organisation. I will cherish all the moments of having been under her mentorship and will miss her positive energy and leadership. I wish her all the best in her new job!”

Mariam, volunteer for Women for Refugee Women and member of the WAST Manchester Management Committee, says:

“Marchu has been an inspiration to me and has encouraged me to always aim higher and to fight for what is right. She has been a charismatic mentor and I wish her good luck in her new job.”