About MEWSo

MEWSo is a women's charity run by and for women from ethnic minority communities. The majority of the communities we serve are from Middle Eastern, North African and Asian backgrounds.

The charity was founded in 2010 by Halaleh Taheri after her experiences as a refugee fleeing war and revolution in the Middle East in the 1980s and 90s. Her multiple experiences of upheaval made her acutely aware of what it's like for displaced, ethnic minority women to make a home for themselves in a strange land, with an unstable immigration status, few legal rights and a host of emotional and/or physical traumas.

The aim of this charity is to defend and protect women from violence both at home and in the wider community, help them rebuild their lives through tailored advice, guidance and support, and campaign for their equality and human rights to be respected.

To support and empower ethnic minority women to rebuild their lives.
To prevent abuse and violence against women, and provide services to meet the needs of those recovering.
To work holistically enabling women to free themselves from abuse for good.
To promote equality, integration, community cohesion and cross-cultural understanding.

Solidarity: We stand with all women against discrimination, inequality and exclusion.
Social Justice: We fight for fair and just treatment for everyone.
Secularism: We represent no religion.
Equality and Diversity: We value difference and treat everyone with respect.
Collaboration: We work in partnership to develop a community-wide defence of women’s rights.
User-led: We are run by and for ethnic minority women.