After approaching fifteen incredible years of growing Women for Refugee Women from a single event to a strong organisation supporting hundreds of women seeking asylum in the UK, our founder Natasha Walter is moving on.

Natasha stepped aside from the role of director in January this year, welcoming Alphonsine Kabagabo into the role. You can read Natasha’s reflections on her time building the organisation here.

Natasha says:

“It has been such a joy and privilege to steer this wonderful organisation from the beginning. I would like to thank all those- staff, volunteers, members, donors, supporters – who made the work possible. I know that Women for Refugee Women will continue to thrive with Alphonsine Kabagabo at the helm, and with such a great team. I will miss being part of this organisation, but I will still be part of the movement, and continue to write and campaign for justice for women. This is such an urgent time to stand up and show solidarity with women who cross borders for safety.”

Alphonsine Kabagabo, director of Women for Refugee Women, says:

“When I joined Women for Refugee Women in January this year to take the role of Director, I was fortunate that Natasha offered to stay in the organisation. It has been a great opportunity for me to learn and be inducted in my new role by the person who had the vision to found a such an amazing organisation that is supporting hundreds of women seeking asylum in the UK to be heard and to rebuild their lives.

Not only has Natasha had the vision but she has also the capacity to develop the organisation from scratch and to ensure there are resources, partnerships and strategies to build a strong and pioneering organisation working at the intersection of women’s and refugee rights.

Thank you Natasha for the amazing job you have done and for the support you provided to me over the last 10 months that has enabled me to settle well in my role. I am sure that with the great team of staff, trustees and volunteers we will do our best to continue to make a positive impact in the lives of the women in our network and beyond!

I wish you all the best for your next adventure and you will be very much missed.”

Rachel Krys, chair of trustees for Women for Refugee Women, says:

“It has been an absolute joy working with Natasha. Her passion, drive and creativity are what turned a sense of outrage at the injustice faced by refugee and asylum seeking women 15 years ago, into a vital hub of support and powerful voice for change. We are all grateful for the energy and commitment Natasha has put into creating, nurturing and sustaining this important organisation, and I know she will continue stand in solidarity with women. Everyone on the WRW board will miss Natasha, but we completely understand her need to concentrate on writing for a while. I can’t wait to read her next book.”

We are grateful for all that Natasha has done at Women for Refugee Women and wish her all the best for the future!