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Somali Women Development Association (SWDA) logo SWDA Empowering communities
across Victoria

Our People

Community-led, culturally responsive, and built on lived experience.

Meet the people, mission and core values that have guided SWDA since 2004.

Who We Are

About Us

A community-led organisation empowering African Australian women, children, youth, families, elders and people with disability since 2004.

SWDA community members and partners in discussion at a community consultation
Somali women sharing a meal and conversation at an SWDA community gathering
SWDA elders and community leaders talking together at an evening event

About Us

Community-driven since 2004

Somali Women’s Development Association Inc. (SWDA) is a community-driven organisation dedicated to empowering African communities, including women, children, youth, families, elders and people with disability.

With a strong commitment to gender equality, social justice and cultural preservation, SWDA serves as a beacon of positive change, fostering environments where individuals, families and communities can thrive.

  • Empowering Community: access to essential services, educational resources and cultural understanding so people can take control of their futures.
  • Building Futures: employment brokerage, education, vocational training, mentorship and leadership development.
  • Strengthening Our Community: cultural celebration, cross-cultural dialogue and social cohesion through festivals and shared events.
Women from the SWDA community gathered around a table sharing food and conversation
Young African Australian men taking part in an SWDA youth session
Community members meeting with SWDA staff and partner agencies

Our Mission

Culturally responsive services, advocacy and community-led change

SWDA is committed to empowering the African Australian community through culturally responsive services, advocacy and inclusive community-led initiatives.

In collaboration with government and local partners, we deliver impactful programs that support:

  • Employment Brokers programs with job readiness support, daily job search groups, workshops and employment expos
  • Education support through Homework Club for primary and high school children at 15 Stubbs St, Kensington
  • Adult education referrals to English classes, vocational training and partner education pathways
  • Youth mentorship and advocacy that foster leadership, resilience and cultural identity
  • Family violence support, parenting programs and child wellbeing services
  • Health and wellbeing promotion, including mental health and accessible community health services
  • Special needs education awareness and early intervention support
  • Social and economic empowerment through employment services, training and community engagement
  • Cultural connection and celebration through community festivals and events
  • Community participation initiatives encouraging volunteering and inclusive decision-making

We create safe, inclusive spaces where individuals, children, youth and families from African Australian backgrounds can grow, thrive and contribute to resilient communities.

SWDA community elders and members greeting each other warmly at a community event
SWDA community members and staff gathered together at a community event
Young people connecting at an SWDA youth program session

Core Values

The values that guide our work

Six values shape every program, conversation and service we deliver.

  • Compassion and Care (Rahma): we serve with empathy and kindness, prioritising respectful, non-judgmental support.
  • Justice and Equity (Adl): we promote fairness, human rights and equal opportunity, challenging discrimination and systemic barriers.
  • Dignity and Respect (Karamah): we believe in the inherent dignity of every person and respect all faiths and backgrounds.
  • Integrity and Accountability (Amanah): we uphold ethical practice, transparency and professional standards.
  • Community and Cooperation (Ta’awun): we value community-led solutions, shared responsibility and active participation.
  • Empowerment and Education (Ilm and Istiqamah): we promote education, resilience and leadership as pathways to long-term wellbeing.

See what we do

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