Programs for Women
SEWA-AIFW holds Women’s events at various locations, bringing the new immigrant and refugee women together to understand their needs and inform them of available resources in the community
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Addressing Domestic Violence
According to a National Family and Health Survey in India in 2005, the rate of domestic violence was just over 30%.
Various studies have indicated that this rate RISES with immigration to the US, to an estimated 40%, possibly due to an increase in social isolation among immigrants.
In this past year, we have served over 300 victims of violence and abuse. There are also many out there who are afraid to reach out, or don’t know who to call.
SEWA has been building a foundation of change for women since 2004 when our work was neither accepted nor validated by the community. Our persistence and dedication have been instrumental, allowing SEWA to be an important organization it is today for the community.
As a note, women can and do abuse, but statistics have shown that men abuse more than women in heterosexual relationships. That is the reason why the language in throughout our page is gender-specific to women. Additionally, domestic violence can happen in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships and marriages. Please don’t hesitate to contact us regardless of your gender identity.
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Invalidating Myths of Menstruation
At SEWA we have a goal to empower women to be healthy and active. Even living in the US, many educated South Asians of any gender still hold on to age old beliefs regarding menstruation which can often guide their decisions and activities.
Talking to South Asian women about menstruation and associated hygiene/health issues in a safe and supportive manner helps us dispel myths about a traditionally unspoken or taboo topic.
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Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota Foundation
SEWA-AIFW has recently received a generous grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota Foundation (BCBS) to support our continuous efforts in changing community perceptions and norms where it applies to domestic violence and victims of abuse. The challenges are that traditional cultural practices and behaviors, for both men and women, will need to change in order to eliminate the conditions that support violence and abuse. Through this new BCBS grant we will focus on providing training and learning opportunities with community partners so we can together address the issues and challenges we face with domestic violence and abuse.
We believe that in order to build a violence free society, we must engage all members of our community to take responsibility in condemning domestic violence.
We provide women with information about their options and rights. SEWA-AIFW advocates and staff never tell a woman what to do; rather, we give women information about their rights and possible courses of action and help her become empowered to make her own decisions.
SEWA-AIFW Volunteers available 24 Hours a day to answer your calls on the CRISIS HOTLINE (952) 912-9100.
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CHAI & CHAT
Join our Women’s Group for Chai & Chat
Chai & Chat events are held at various locations each month – from local parks & libraries to women-owned businesses. We create supportive and safe spaces for women to come together to discuss issues, share their stories, and to enjoy different activities and outings. Interested in hosting? Let us know!
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DOR
Desi Online Reading, or DOR, is part of SEWA-AIFW's response to the distanced pandemic world we have been living in. Dor means ‘thread,’ or ‘connection’ in Hindu and Urdu. Desi Online Reading is a biweekly reading group where women can bring any book from any language, country, or culture, for discussion.
“DOR” which means a ‘thread’, a ‘connection’!
