About Us
Founder’s Story
Fungai Victoria – Executive Director
Born in Gweru, Zimbabwe, Fungai Victoria belongs to the Independence Generation. Her life and work have been shaped by a deep commitment to justice, equality, and the empowerment of women and girls.
From an early age, she demonstrated courage in challenging injustice. While studying at Midlands State University, she confronted misconduct by a senior lecturer. Despite facing retaliation that delayed her academic progress, she stood firm in her principles. Her actions contributed to wider awareness and student activism around misconduct and safety on campus.
Fungai later worked as a journalist with Parade Magazine, using her platform to advocate for justice, equality, and women’s rights.
In 2007, she relocated to London, where she continued her advocacy work. As a migrant and survivor of culture-based abuse, domestic abuse, and family experiences of bullying, she transformed personal adversity into a mission to support others.
Recognising the unique challenges faced by migrant women—especially those with no recourse to public funds—Fungai dedicated herself to helping women navigate complex systems, access support, and understand their rights.
Her work has earned community recognition and awards. She has spoken at local and international platforms, using both professional insight and lived experience to inspire change.
Through resilience, integrity, and compassion, Fungai continues to be a powerful voice for women and girls—bridging communities, influencing policy, and helping others turn survival into strength.
Our Mission
To provide culturally grounded, trauma informed support that empowers SEW African women and girls in North London to heal from abuse, strengthen their mental wellbeing, and rebuild their lives with dignity, safety, and hope.
Our Aim
- To prevent mental health decline by providing holistic, accessible, culturally and spiritually informed counselling, advocacy, and emotional support delivered in women and girls’ own languages so they can express themselves freely and without being misunderstood.
- To create safe, welcoming spaces where women and girls can speak openly without fear of judgement.
- To strengthen professional understanding of abuse affecting SEW African communities through training and specialist guidance.
- To influence policies, safeguarding practices, and public awareness to better protect and advance the rights of women and girls.
- To build long‑term wellbeing through holistic, community‑centred approaches that honour culture, identity, and lived experience.
Our Impact
Since then, demand for our services has grown rapidly. In the past year alone, we have supported hundreds of women and girls globally through advice, advocacy, emotional support, and signposting to additional services.
Our Vision
A world where SEW African women and girls live free from abuse, discrimination, and systemic barriers thriving in communities that understand, respect, and uplift their identities, spirituality, cultures, and voices.
Stigma and Barriers to Accessing Services
Stigma around mental health
Many SEW African women and girls face stigma around mental health, including pressure to stay silent about abuse, fear of judgement from their community, and worry about being misunderstood due to language or cultural differences. Spiritual or cultural beliefs can also lead to shame or discourage seeking support. These barriers often prevent women and girls from accessing the help they need, making culturally informed, safe, and language‑accessible services essential.
Structural barriers impacting access to services
Many SEW African women and girls face significant stigma around mental health, including pressure to stay silent about abuse, fear of judgement from their community, and worry about being misunderstood due to language or cultural differences. Immigration challenges and fear of the Home Office can also stop women from seeking help, especially when their safety feels tied to their immigration status. These barriers make culturally informed, safe, and language‑accessible support essential.
OUR VALUES
- Inclusivity:
We embrace diversity and ensure that every voice in the African and Afro-Caribbean
community is heard and valued. - Empowerment:
We empower individuals to take charge of their mental health and well-being
through education, resources, and support. - Cultural Sensitivity:
We recognize and honour the unique cultural backgrounds of the Afro-
Caribbean community, tailoring our programs and services to meet their
specific needs. - Collaboration:
We believe in the power of partnerships and teamwork, working with
community organizations, leaders, and mental health professionals to enhance
our impact. - Compassion:
We approach mental health with empathy and understanding, creating a safe
space for individuals to share their experiences without judgment. - Integrity:
We uphold transparency and accountability in all our actions, ensuring trust
and credibility within the community we serve.
COMMITMENT
There is a critical need for specialist support for SEW African women and girls in North London and UK at large who are at risk of domestic abuse, culture-based abuse, and other forms of violence. We are committed to providing SEW African women and girls with safe, culturally grounded, spiritually aware and trauma informed support that honours their dignity, identity, and lived experiences. We ensure every woman and girl is heard in her own language, understood without judgement, and supported with compassion. We stand firmly against all forms of abuse and inequality, and we work tirelessly to create pathways to safety, healing, and long term wellbeing. Through advocacy, community education, and systemic change, we are committed to protecting the rights of women and girls and strengthening the communities they belong to.