Welcome to the Mama Rosemary Foundation

Connection, inclusion and empowerment for refugee and migrant women

Overview

Mama Rosemary Foundation supports refugees and migrants to connect with Australian services and society so they and their families can thrive in their new home. With a special focus on women experiencing domestic and family violence, we use our community connections to support the refugees and migrants that other services find hard to reach. We work to prevent violence, coercive control and other forms of abuse against women and girls. Through social events, such as the cultural exchange programs and coffee clubs, we reduce social isolation, grow knowledge and help women to learn about how they can overcome their problems. Our events help women, their children and families to connect with mainstream and specialist services addressing domestic violence, employment, housing and education. We promote cross-cultural understanding, particularly among women from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. We focus on building positive relationships and connections that will make positive change for themselves, their families and community. Mama Rosemary Foundation was founded by Rosemary Kariuki, 2021 Australian of the Year - Local Hero.

Our vision

Refugee and migrant women are connected, included and empowered so they and their families can thrive in Australia

More about us

Mama Rosemary Foundation was established in September 2024 to continue and expand the work Rosemary Kariuki has been undertaking to help empower refugee and migrant women for close to two decades. A registered charity, Mama Rosemary Foundation has partnerships with organisations across NSW and Australia including Anglicare, HARDA, STARTTS, Community Migrant Resource Centre, Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre and many local migrant and refugee community groups. In addition to Rosemary Kariuki, Mama Rosemary Foundations is overseen by a Board of Directors with extensive experience across charity, corporate, government, community and small business.
About Rosemary
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Connecting women is one of the most powerful ways to make positive change for themselves, their families and their community.

What is the issue we are addressing?

30%
of refugee and migrant women in Australia have experienced domestic and family violence
92%
have experienced controlling behaviour
42%
have experienced sexual or physical violence
Monash University and Harmony Alliance, 2021

How we help

We focus on social activities that bring women and their families together in a safe and supportive environment so they can share their concerns, access information and build connections to their community.

Cultural Exchange Program

  • 120 women hosted by 60 Australian families each year
The Cultural Exchange program takes isolated women with a migrant experience into the homes of Australian families across NSW. The program helps the women to experience Australian life and culture, making connections that can last a lifetime. Many of the women have never left their suburb before taking part in the Cultural Exchange Program. The weekends are life changing not just for the women, but for the Australian families, who gain both friendship and an understanding of the lives of refugees and migrants. The name cultural exchange reflects the two-way exchange and sharing of cultures.

African Women’s Dinner Dances

  • 450 women every year
While having fun and celebrating women and our love of food and dance, there is also a serious side to the African Women’s Dinner Dance. Women learn about domestic and family violence, employment and education while connecting with services who can provide the support they need to begin to change. For many women, the African Women’s Dinner Dance is the only time in the year they will be without their children and husbands.
High Teas
  • 120 women each year
These events allow women to experience a special social occasion alongside education. In a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, women also connect with services and information about domestic and family violence.

Coffee Clubs

  • 100 women across 10 local clubs each year
These weekly peer support events allow women to learn from one another in a safe environment and reduce the social isolation many refugees and migrants experience.
Upcoming events

Testimonials

I didn’t have anyone to talk to. I was lonely. I was just in confusion and I didn’t know where to go. That weekend, it changed me as a person. Now, I feel free! It’s given me more confidence. It made me feel open and learn more. Now I know that I can turn to other people.
Pasca
He just wanted to control me. I never knew what to do next. Rosemary, she is always helping me with what to do. She is beyond great.
Anu
I learnt how to make a friend, I never do that before. The Aussie people, they make me feel like it’s my home.
Sufia
This event has given me the chance to know so many people from different cultures.
Anastasia