About us
We are a network of over 150 women that live in Greater Manchester who are experiencing the UK's hostile asylum system.
Together, we share our experiences, empower and support one another.
WAST is a safe space where we can be ourselves.
Our vision
A society where compassion, respect, inclusion and empowerment enables women to reach their potential and have a voice within an increasingly hostile environment.
Our mission
We campaign for social justice and women's rights through a peer-led support model that helps women find their place in the UK.
Our values
Compassion - we empathise
Respect - we listen and believe
Inclusion - we welcome
Empowerment - we raise women's voices
The women in our network speak many languages and practice many religions. We are women of all ages, nationalities, ethnicities, sexual orientation and disabilities. Some of us have children and spouses or partners with us, others face our families being split up by deportation. Many of us are alone.
As women seeking asylum, we can often feel vulnerable due to isolation, trauma, ill health, facing destitution, homelessness, or deportation. But together we are stronger.
We are Women Asylum Seekers Together.
The story of Mariam Yusuf – an asylum seeker activist, WAST member told for the Women on the Move Awards 2016 where she received a Woman of the Year award.
Meet the team
We have a team of passionate women who are driven to create change for women experiencing the UK’s asylum system. We are proudly led by lived experience. The women in our network are in charge and guide the way we work.
Our funders
Our reports
Annual review
Read more about our work and the impact we make in our annual review.
Trustee reports and accounts
Visit the Charity Commission’s website to view our latest Trustee’s Reports and Accounts.