About us

We are a network of over 150 women that live in Greater Manchester who are experiencing the UK's hostile asylum system.

Together, we share our experiences, empower and support one another.

WAST is a safe space where we can be ourselves.

Our vision

A society where women seeking asylum are respected, included, empowered and able to reach their full potential.

Our mission

To create a safe, inclusive, and empowering space where women seeking asylum can support one another, build their futures, and campaign for justice and equality.

Our values

Compassion – we stand with women seeking asylum, offering understanding and strength through shared support and solidarity

Respect – we listen to, believe, and value the experiences of women seeking asylum.

Inclusion – we welcome all women seeking asylum, creating space for every voice to be heard.

Empowerment – we raise the voices of women seeking asylum and support them to lead, shape their futures and campaign for change.

Our women

The women in our network speak many languages and practice many religions. We are women of all ages, nationalities, ethnicities, sexual orientation and disabilities. Some of us have children and spouses or partners with us, others face our families being split up by deportation. Many of us are alone.

As women seeking asylum, we can often feel vulnerable due to isolation, trauma, ill health, facing destitution, homelessness, or deportation. But together we are stronger.

We are Women Asylum Seekers Together.

The story of Mariam Yusuf – an asylum seeker activist, WAST member told for the Women on the Move Awards 2016 where she received a Woman of the Year award.

Our team

We have a team of passionate women who are driven to create change for women experiencing the UK’s asylum system. We are proudly led by lived experience. The women in our network are in charge and guide the way we work.