Earlier in December, our team received training from Shelter on Systems Thinking in Homelessness. This fascinating training made us reflect on how to approach more holistic approaches to solving complex problems and the patterns, structures and mental models that influence and shape events. Insecure housing is an issue that deeply affects our community, largely as a result of their immigration status. Strengthening women’s immigration status is a key 5 year policy aim SEEAWA is pursuing in 2026.
For SEEAWA, supporting well-being, joy and visibility is key to help our community flourish and thrive.
Members of our team joined Imkaan, a feminist umbrella organisation dedicated to addressing violence against Black and minoritised women and girls, to attend a Wellbeing Day that included yoga, painting and lunch at the Africa Centre Restaurant.
Other members of our team were supported by Human Expansion School to reflect on how to develop and cultivate deeper listening. We also explored how to release stress from the body through breathing, ice baths and sauna at The Sanctuary &soul.
Through our events such as drama workshops with Philippines Theatre UK, participants supported their wellbeing through creative, joyful exercises.
Finally, our Christmas party was attended by over 80 community members, their children and families from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, Thailand and the UK came together for festive food, games and tai chi! A wonderful afternoon and here’s to more successes in 2026!
SEEAWA’s stand on the Immigration White Paper is in solidarity with the joint statement written by Step Up Migrant Women UK, LAWR’s, Southall Black Sisters, Hibiscus, and End Violence Against Women. Our take on it highlights a few points from their joint statement.
For migrant victims of domestic abuse
SEEAWA supports ESEA women in the UK to thrive. We are concerned that the sweeping changes to immigration policy in the White Paper will particularly harm ESEA survivors of violence, trafficking and modern slavery by losing their status and becoming vulnerable to exploitation.
The White Paper fails to address the vulnerability of migrant survivors of VAWG who are unable to access mainstream refuges, gain financial support, stable housing or legal advice to flee domestic abuse and rebuild their lives. The systemic barriers of sharing information with immigration enforcement (which is weaponised by perpetrators and deters access to protection), the enormous burdens of No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), and restrictive concessions mean that survivors will be trapped with their abusers. The government cannot claim to support survivors whilst engaging in hostile immigration policies that put migrant women in danger.
Labour market and immigration
The White Paper’s approach to migrant labour devalues ‘low-skilled’ roles (carers, domestic workers, support services) overwhelmingly held by migrant women. Removing care workers from the list of essential workers risks significantly reducing the number of carers in the UK, putting the safety and health of the elderly and those with disabilities in danger.
Restricting access to migrant women workers to long-term immigration stability and settlement will force workers to accept poor conditions and reliance on partners and employers, increasing the risks of abuse and exploitation.
Criminalisation of victims/survivors
The White Paper stops survivors of VAWG, or women who have been trafficked and exploited, from accessing support if they have committed a crime under the UK justice system, falling under the ‘foreign national offender’. Most women in prison have experienced abuse or exploitation, and often as a result of coercion or economic precarity. Automatic deportation and accelerated removals will prevent survivors from pursuing meaningful justice and rebuilding their lives.
Calls to Action If you are interested in taking steps to change the White Paper and want to help with your unique skills, experience and passion, please email sarahreid@seeawa.org.uk
In recent news, the Southeast and East Asian Women’s Association (SEEAWA) has spoken out about one of the UK’s most prolific rapists, Zhenhao Zou, recently convicted in the UK, whose abuse in both the UK and China have sparked extensive debate. SEEAWA’s insights reflect the complexities surrounding cultural perceptions, our commentary offers a necessary lens through which to examine his actions.
The Case of Zou
Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese PhD student, was found guilty in London last month of drugging and raping 10 Chinese women across two continents. Sadly, at his trial, police said they had found video evidence, filmed by Zou himself, of potentially 50 more victims, and they say that there are many more victims out there. Since his prosecution, 23 more women have come forward to report their assault.
Zou’s case has been a flashpoint in the UK, bringing to light not only the harrowing details of the crime but also the broader societal implications that arise when such incidents occur. The crimes have been centred around the Chinese community, which is normally very reticent about discussing issues such as rape.
Through our discussions with the media, SEEAWA provided a UK East and Southeast Asian feminist framework for understanding the reactions to Zhao’s case. We noted that the attitudes towards rapists are often shaped by deeply entrenched cultural narratives, and even in the UK, five out of six women do not report their rape.
Looking to the future Despite these challenges, SEEAWA hopes for a transformative shift in attitudes. We emphasise the importance of education and advocacy in reshaping the narrative around sexual violence. In our work, by fostering discussions on what constitutes consent and teaching respect for bodily autonomy, there is potential for societal change. Activism, particularly from young people and women’s rights groups, has been instrumental in pushing back against outdated beliefs and demanding justice for victims.
As the discourse surrounding Zhao’s case continues, SEEAWA’s voice stands as a critical reminder of the work that remains to be done. Our call to action emphasises the necessity of reshaping cultural attitudes towards sexual violence, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable.
A case in France recently highlighted Gisele Pelicot’s plight, in which her husband drugged and allowed her to be raped by several men. Remaining defiant, she said: ‘it’s not for us to have shame – it’s for them.’
SEEAWA believes that by engaging in constructive dialogue, advocating for survivors, and educating communities, society can work towards a future where justice prevails and victims are empowered.
Meet Lyn who was once a beneficiary we helped to support and now is a member of our team who uses her lived experience, empathy and compassion as a Bespoke Women’s Co-ordinator to help support other ESEA women to thrive in the UK.
Where are you from?
I was born in Quezon City, Philippines, to loving but very poor parents. From a young age, my mum noticed how determined I was when it came to studying. I worked hard and was consistently placed in the top section throughout primary and high school. I went on to receive a full university scholarship, which covered all my tuition fees.
What job did you do after University?
After graduating, life wasn’t easy. I juggled one short-term job after another until I finally secured a government post with the Social Welfare Office. I stayed there for five years, but had to stop working when my dad suffered a massive stroke that left him partially paralysed. It broke me. I moved out to live on my own in Intramuros and started working for the Election Office.
What is important to you?
During this time, I also served as a volunteer lector at the Manila Cathedral, which gave me peace and purpose.
Eventually, I passed the Civil Service exam and got a job with the Competition Office. Around this time, I met the man who would later become my husband. We agreed it was too hard to live apart, so we got married and I moved to London to build a life with him.
What was moving to the UK like?
But moving to the UK turned out to be incredibly difficult. From the moment I arrived, he made it clear that I was a burden. He reminded me constantly that he had spent money on my visa, flight, and requirements. He accused me of things I never did, often saying I was living a life of luxury while he was the one feeding me. Even eating became difficult—I felt guilty with every bite. His behaviour became controlling, hurtful, and emotionally abusive. That dark period lasted for two years.
How did you find help?
Eventually, I took a leap of faith and fled the abuse. That’s when I found a Filipino charity that gave me the support I needed.
I found the Filipino Charity in Filipino-British Facebook groups about their advertisement of the Charity (Kanlungan).
Solace Women’s Aid later helped me apply for the Domestic Violence Concession, which allowed me to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. When the result came back, and it was successful, I couldn’t believe it. I was finally safe, and I could stay in the UK legally—on my own terms.
What did you do next when you began to feel safe, secure and confident?
I began volunteering with the same Filipino charity that helped me, supporting other women facing abuse—helping them access benefits, secure housing, and apply for visas, just like I once had to.
Eventually, I met a new partner and moved to Leicestershire. I found work with the NHS, then as a Clerk for the local council, and later became a Women’s Support Officer for SEEAWA, where I still work today.
In January this year, I applied for British Citizenship. The result came back in March—approved. My citizenship ceremony was held on April 24, which is also my birthday.
After everything—the pain, the fear, the resilience, the faith—I am now a British Citizen.
Every hardship I endured, every step I took, every act of courage—it has all led me to this moment. And though the journey was far from easy, I am beyond grateful.
Because now, I’m free. I’m safe. I’ve come full circle. And I know this is just the beginning.
My Own DV journey in today’s society: SEEAWA Digital Story under Let us Lead the Change Programme:
What do enjoy about being in the UK and your work?
The mixture of richness in history and hidden gems with a very nice touch of nature and delicious meals
I am a very family oriented because it’s a Filipino culture I love the family I built here in UK.
Charity Family that I worked with to give back to the community. Found a special someone who is my long-time partner now and his family that makes me feel that I’m not alone. The friends of my partner became my friends too.
Join us in celebrating East and Southeast Asian Women in the UK – shattering stereotypes, breaking boundaries, and reclaiming our power!
Identity Unbound is an International Women’s Day Celebration that uplifts and empowers women from East and Southeast Asian communities in the UK. Let’s come together, share stories, and build a stronger community. Register here or through the link in our bio: bit.ly/SEEAWAwomensday
Here’s our powerhouse lineup:
Panel Discussion: Navigating identity and belonging as an ESEA immigrant in the UK A discussion on what it means to be an ESEA woman living in the UK and all the complexities that come with it. Our speakers:
Eileen Wada Willett – Founder, East Asian Girl Gang
Silfana Nasri – PhD researcher
Anna Chan – Founder, Asian Leadership Collective
Moderated by Amanda Lago, SEEAWA
Presentation: Your Role in Democracy Learn how to vote, get involved, and make your voice heard with Shout Out UK
Talk and Q&A: Understanding Your Rights & Responsibilities Legal insights on citizenship, dual nationality & your rights as immigrants with Dias Solicitors
Surviving domestic abuse can be a lonely, isolating experience – even more so for migrant women who are navigating life miles away from their families and support systems.
Despite limited resources, SEEAWA strives to provide guidance and support to East and Southeast Asian migrant women who have experienced domestic violence. Our services range from befriending, assistance in form filling, to providing tailored guidance and advice. Throughout all this, our aim is simple: to let our women know that they are not alone.
Jane*, a migrant woman based in Hackney, faced abuse at the hands of her then-partner. To make matters worse, her abuser had also been hurting their son. After their child reported the abuse at school, social services came to check in on them, and at the same time, Jane reached out to SEEAWA’s Women’s Support Officer, Lyn. Even as Jane experienced communication problems with her social worker, Lyn stood by Jane, checking in on her, giving her advice, and encouraging her to take the necessary steps to support herself and her child. Lyn also added Jane to a chat group with other women who have similar experiences of domestic violence, and together, the women drew strength from each other.
“Miss Lyn made me feel that I am not alone in my battle, that there is always someone out there who is always willing to help. There is always hope.” – Jane,* service user since 2024
Like Jane, Maria* reached out to Lyn at a crucial point in her life. After experiencing repeated financial, sexual, and physical abuse from her husband, things came to a head for Maria when, during a particularly violent argument, she was forced to run for her life out into the cold winter rain. After being rescued by the police and given shelter by her local council, Maria contacted Lyn, who guided her through the process of applying for the migrant victims of domestic abuse concession (MVDAC), and later on for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). As Maria proudly shared, the ILR application she lodged with Lyn’s help was successful.
For migrant women with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), applying for the concession and later, ILR, is crucial for them to be able to access benefits and get the support they need as they heal from domestic violence. But it is undoubtedly a long and tedious process, marked by re-traumatisation and anxiety – especially if they are working with social workers who often don’t understand their cultural background. With our Women’s Support Officer checking in on them at every step, our beneficiaries get the confidence and encouragement they need to advocate for themselves.
“I appreciated that there is a person who is willing to help all the time,” Jane shared. “Miss Lyn made me feel that I am not alone in my battle, that there is always someone out there who is always willing to help. There is always hope.”
SEEAWA successfully led the delivery of the Leadership Training Programme as part of the Rise and Lead (R&L) project, funded by the London Community Foundation. While SEEAWA was responsible for the leadership training component, Kanlungan managed the domestic violence modules within this R&L project partnership. The programme leveraged the expertise of the Women’s Resource Centre (WRC)’s Feminist Leadership Training facilitators, supporting a cohort of domestic violence survivors whom SEEAWA guided through various stages of their journey. These women came from diverse backgrounds, and the programme provided a unique opportunity for empowerment and growth. As part of SEEAWA’s involvement, I had the privilege of attending the training alongside other female-led organisations.
Embarking on this journey felt like setting sail into uncharted waters: exciting, yet slightly daunting. Transitioning from the structured corridors of the corporate world to the dynamic nonprofit sector, I was eager to embrace this experience of lifelong learning.
From the outset, the programme offered a Deep Dive into Feminist Leadership, blending theory with personal reflection and interactive exercises. We explored topics such as feminism, intersectionality, emotional intelligence, and power dynamics: each session designed to challenge traditional leadership models and foster a transformative, inclusive approach.
One of the most enlightening sessions focused on Unconscious Bias Interrupted. We examined the origins of unconscious bias, its manifestation in the workplace, and strategies to challenge and interrupt these biases. A key exercise involved evaluating our inner circle, similar to the children’s “birds/animals/flowers” game, but applied to our non-family networks. I was chuffed to discover that I was the only person in my cohort with complete diversity in this circle. However, the overall lack of diversity within the group was a stark reminder of how our networks are shaped by systemic biases in areas such as education, gender, race, religion, age, and sexuality. This exercise underscored the effort required to ensure genuine inclusivity in our spaces.
The session on Burnout: Signs, Impact, Prevention resonated deeply with me. Burnout was not just a theoretical concept; it was my reality, a catalyst for my transition from the corporate sector to the non-profit world. The session illuminated the relentless pressures, unspoken expectations, and toll of overwork that so many of us endure. It validated the importance of rest, resilience, and sustainable activism; principles that are foundational to SEEAWA’s work and integrated into our organisation’s DNA.
Power: Reclaiming and Redefining. Our discussions on Power were equally transformative. Coming from a patriarchal, male-dominated career environment, I found it essential to reframe how we view power. In feminist leadership, power is non-traditional, shared, collective, and rooted in care. This session reaffirmed the power we already hold, giving us the space to embrace it in a feminist light. It was an opportunity to unlearn ingrained hierarchies and adopt leadership models that uplift rather than oppress.
The Values and Organisational Culture session was especially meaningful in my role at SEEAWA, reinforcing our commitment to ethical leadership. This session highlighted the importance of transparency, care, and collective accountability; principles that distinguish SEEAWA. It also strengthened our approach to supporting whistleblowers within the nonprofit sector, empowering individuals to champion integrity and accountability. This session provided valuable insights that will help strengthen our ongoing work in justice and equity, while the conversations with my feminist peers aligned deeply with SEEAWA’s values of transparency, collaboration, and intersectionality. It was both reassuring and invigorating to see that the challenges we face are shared, and so too are the solutions.
The Impact of Feminist Leadership Trainingon my role at SEEAWA has been profound. It has equipped me with practical tools and analytical skills, enabling me to lead with empathy, inclusivity, and adaptability. The programme’s focus on intersectionality has deepened my understanding of the diverse experiences within our community, enhancing our advocacy efforts.
Feedback from participants of the R&L Cohort echoed my sentiments:
“This is one of the best training programmes I have ever attended. The content was delivered in a way I could absorb and relate practically. I learnt new techniques to be reflective and assertive, in a digestible way. Could do a deep dive into the ‘power’ section,it made me relook at past situations and behaviours differently.”
“The training was brilliant and provided useful tools to tackle issues and concerns of women who aspired to be leaders in their own capacities. I am truly grateful to the organisers and facilitators of the training.”
One key takeaway from the R&L cohort was the importance of Creating Sustainable Learning that extends beyond the training room. This programme wasn’t just about individual growth; it empowered participants to reinvest their newly gained skills into their own communities. By providing opportunities for these women to lead on causes that resonate deeply with them, we are fostering a ‘pay it forward’ ethos. This ripple effect ensures that the lessons learned will reach even more women, creating lasting impact and encouraging the next generation of feminist leaders to rise.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Work
Due to changes in our partnership with Kanlungan, SEEAWA will not be continuing with the second round of leadership training under the R&L project. SEEAWA will try its best to look for other resources and partners and do everything in its power to continue the leadership programme for women. This programme has offered women survivors of domestic violence a powerful opportunity to reclaim their power in a supportive, empowering space. For those interested in similar training, we encourage you to connect directly with the WRC to explore further opportunities. I wholeheartedly recommend the WRC’s Feminist Leadership Training Programme. It’s more than just a course; it’s a transformative experience that empowers you to lead with authenticity and purpose.
Reflecting on my own journey from the corporate sector to the nonprofit world, this training has been a beacon, guiding my transformation. It has reinforced SEEAWA’s commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability; principles that are vital as we navigate the complexities of social change.
Until next time, keep learning, keep leading, and keep championing change
– Anna, Operations & Programme Manager, SEEAWA
Note: The Women’s Resource Centre is currently accepting applications for the Spring/Summer 2025 cohorts. Apply by February 23rd to embark on this enriching journey.
SEEAWA is made up of a small (but mighty) team of ESEA women from with diverse backgrounds and experience but who share similar values: the importance of community, making the invisible visible – recently meeting MP Annaliese Dodds to discuss solutions to the challenges affecting women and girls, listening, spas (thank you Hackney Sauna — Community Sauna Baths ) and good food (we recommend MR JI Asian Restaurant Camden) ; supporting others, our team and ourselves. People solve problems, not policies or laws; and frontline community groups and organisations are able to more swiftly respond to spotting challenges and finding solutions. And the beneficiaries we support know the challenges they face and are co-participants in navigating their way to solutions.
We support ESEA women navigating issues that are affecting their everyday lives from navigating oppression, racism and domestic abuse that impacts their work, home and health in various ESEA languages.
We want ESEA women to thrive, flourish and lead lives that are full and rich of limitless possibilities. What might that look like? We have started a leadership training programme so that women can tell their own stories and build on developing their skills to shape public opinions and political will. As well as frontline services, research, advocacy and lobbying are key parts of our organisation to help ESEA women be visible, rise and empower themselves and others.
We are also non-hierarchical. Can you guess what this even means? The philanthropy sector is riddled with gatekeeping, lack of information and power restricted. We hope to challenge and change this but this means starting internally. If you work in an organisation with innovative ways that leads to greater power-sharing, let us know!
Networking and developing relationships with people are key to change Vivienne Hayes from the Women’s Resource Centre (WRC) kindly invited Selma Taha from Southall Black Sisters and SEEAWA to participate in a roundtable discussion with MP Anneliese Dodds who is currently Minister of State (Development), and Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities). Meeting people and working together leads to greater power. Alone as a charity you may go fast, but together you go far.
Be bold and when there is an opportunity, grab it Vivienne mentioned that it was from seeing a spare chair next to Anneliese at a separate event, that she sat down and started talking to her. This lead to emails, discussions and eventually a meeting.
What do you see? Share it & develop it When the racist attacks occurred in the Summer of 2024, we noticed that politicians were inviting male leaders from BAME community groups to speak but there was a significant absence of BAME women leaders voices and presence. That led us to sharing how the racist riots affected ESEA women in our community (one of whom was pregnant!). But we also realised we need to help support ESEA to become leaders and to equip them with the tools to change the world. We are excited to develop further women leadership programmes for our community.
Have 1-2 clear asks of what you want from a meeting with a politician We asked for: an independent national women’s fund to address the funding crisis, and explained how an endowment fund would lead to greater sustainable support and change for the women’s sector; and for MP’s to think of and reach out to women’s groups and BAME women’s organisations as well as mens.
Advocacy is ongoing Meeting an MP is just one small cog. Next month, Sarah Reid will take on the role of Advocacy and Campaigns Manager to help develop this part of our organisation. Are you a BAME charity or women’s charity looking to network or develop skills in advocacy and campaigning and want some advice? If so, reach out to us! If you are experienced in changing policies, let us know your tips of what really works.
