About Us
African Women's and Families Network (AWAFN) aims to educate, support and empower African Australians throughout Victoria.
The AWAFN is a Victoria wide grassroots, not‑for‑profit community organisation founded in 2011.
Our team of volunteers provide culturally appropriate settlement process assistance and support for African Australians and new diverse small community groups to; enhance their skills, gain access to resources and socialise with the broader Australian community.
AWAFN membership is open to all women, men & youth, from diverse faiths, communities, and organisations, who support the constitution and other legal obligations.
Our Story
Theresa Sengaaga Ssali and Faduma Musse are the dynamic co-founders of our organization, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to their roles. Theresa, an African Australian from the Ugandan community, has over 25 years of experience in social work, having served in both State and Commonwealth Government agencies. She has a proven track record of initiating and managing community capacity building projects, particularly for youth, men, women, and families. Her voluntary efforts have earned her significant recognition, including the Victorian African Community Award as an Unsung Community Hero in 2014 and being named one of the hundred most influential African Australians in 2013. A dedicated advocate for women's rights since 1989, Theresa is driven by the principle of "Living for the sake of others."
Faduma Musse, an African Australian from the Somali community, is equally committed to community service. As the President of Somali Women, Faduma has facilitated numerous opportunities for African men, women, and children, both in her home country of Somalia and in Australia. With 20 years of experience in community empowerment, she continues to champion the cause of unity and progress for the African community. Together, Theresa and Faduma embody the spirit of leadership and dedication, working tirelessly to support and uplift their communities.
Vision
AWAFN aims to support members to be:
• Healthy, thriving and dignified
• Safe and secure
• Resilient
• Harmonious
• Equitably accessing professional vocational and entrepreneurial opportunities
Values
Our values are important to us. They help us to grow and create the future we want to experience through:
Integrity & Honesty – We will act with integrity, honesty, be thoughtful and compassionate, in everything we do.
Respect – We respect the individuals and communities with whom we work and celebrate cultural diversity and inclusiveness (‘Ubuntu’ Humanity)
Empowering & Human dignity – We work towards the individuals and communities to realise their full potential and achieve their own aspirations.
Inclusion – We will create an inclusive environment that foster creativity and innovation and promotes participation for all.
Partnerships - Strong families and partnerships to enable communities and individual to access appropriate resources/services
Acknowledging the rights of Indigenous people and their ties to the land we live on
Meet The Team
Our Partners
