Seada Fekadu, had to flee Eritrea on her own when she was only 16.  Without knowing a word of English, she managed to find her way to safety in London, and as soon as she was able to do so, she started helping other young people with similar experiences. In addition to mentoring other young people, Seada is working to ensure their voices are heard in places where decisions are made about their lives.

Learn more about Seada’s story and our other 2016 winners Here.

Mariam Yusuf, originally from Somalia, and a member of minority Bajuni tribe.  Mariam arrived to the UK in 2008, with no English, and separated from her children. Mariam has been caught up in the asylum system for six years, during which she was detained in Yarl’s Wood, and made destitute and homeless. But, despite the extreme hardship and injustice that she has suffered, Mariam learned English, made friends, stood up for herself and went on to provide essential support to many other women in need of support.

See her story Here.

Changing the conversation and celebrating the outstanding contributions of extraordinary migrant and refugee women.

The awards are both a way to support the women who do this important work, and also a vehicle to change the public narrative about what migrants and refugees bring to the UK.

Find out about Mariam Yusuf, Seada Fekadu and all our amazing 2016 winners here!