On behalf of SEEAWA, our colleague Lyn recently had the honour of attending and speaking at the Philippine Independence Day celebration hosted by the Chaplaincy. It was a wonderful opportunity to share our mission with the community and connect our current struggles for safety and dignity with the rich history of resistance.
In marking Philippine Independence Day, we took time to specifically honour the women who sacrificed so much for freedom. Whether they took up arms directly against colonisers, or served as healers, carers, and providers for the freedom fighters, we carry their legacy of courage with us today.
That same spirit of solidarity and survival is at the heart of everything we do at SEEAWA. As an inclusive, non-hierarchical collective, we walk alongside Southeast and East Asian women in the UK who are navigating complex challenges—from immigration, asylum, and domestic violence, to exploitation and mental health struggles.
The journey from isolation to leadership is not easy, but through our community programs, we are seeing incredible transformations. Many who first came to us seeking safety are now stepping forward as empowered leaders and advocates in their own right.
A huge thank you to the Chaplaincy for welcoming us so warmly. We look forward to continuing to build safe, joyful spaces of resistance together, ensuring every woman has the freedom to live with dignity and hope.