Afghan Women's Organisation in Victoria Inc.

Overview & Founding
Founded in 2009 by Dr. Gulghotai (Gula) Bezhan OAM, the AWOV began as a small group of around ten Afghan women and one supportive Australian volunteer in Dandenong and Casey.

Gula has been a leading figure in refugee settlement support for over 14 years and was recently honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to the Afghan community in Victoria.

Mission & Reach
AWOV operates as a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, empowering women and girls through culturally tailored supports. The organisation aims to bridge social, linguistic, cultural, and economic gaps for Afghan women and newly arrived women in Australia.

Key Programs & Services
Settlement & Community Support
– Afghan Women’s Settlement Support Programme includes referral assistance, conversational English classes (with professional teachers and Afghan interpreters), sewing classes, weekly community kitchen sessions, a community hub/drop-in centre, outreach services, and excursions.
– Weekly Information Sessions (Thursdays during school terms) cover topics like Australian systems, laws, parenting, mental wellbeing, employment, and more.
– English Language Classes are held twice weekly with beginner and advanced levels.
– Sewing Classes taught through Springvale Learning and Activity Centre help women develop textile and sewing skills to attain financial independence.
– Engagement & Community Building
– Community Kitchen events foster social connection

WEBSITE