Zomi Women's Department

Empowering Refugee Women

Supporting, training, and uplifting women in the Zomi community

Our Mission

The Zomi Women's Department is dedicated to empowering refugee women through skills development, support programs, and community-building initiatives. We recognize the unique challenges women face in refugee contexts and work to create opportunities for growth, independence, and leadership.

In Malaysia, refugee women often face multiple layers of vulnerability, including limited access to employment, healthcare concerns, gender-based barriers, and family responsibilities. Our department addresses these challenges through holistic programs that build skills, create economic opportunities, promote wellbeing, and foster community support networks.

Department History

The Zomi Women's Department was established in 2010 in response to growing recognition of the specific needs and potential of women in the refugee community. What began as a small handicraft training project has evolved into a comprehensive women's empowerment program with multiple initiatives.

Over the years, our department has trained hundreds of women in various skills, helped them develop income-generating activities, provided health education and support services, and created spaces for women to connect, learn, and lead within the community.

Zomi Women's Department Team

Our Women's Department team and program participants

150+
Women participating in programs annually
8
Women's leaders trained each year
13
Years of empowering women

Our Women's Programs

Holistic initiatives for empowerment and wellbeing

Handicraft Training

Our signature program trains women in traditional Zomi handicrafts as well as contemporary designs, creating pathways for income generation while preserving cultural heritage. Skills include weaving, embroidery, sewing, and product design.

  • Traditional weaving techniques
  • Modern fabric crafts
  • Product development
  • Quality control training

Zomi Women's Market

We create market opportunities for women's handicrafts through community markets, partnering with local shops, online sales platforms, and special events. This program helps women turn their skills into sustainable income.

  • Product marketing
  • Sales coordination
  • Fair pricing guidance
  • Market partnership development

Women's Health Initiative

We provide health education, workshops, and support services specifically addressing women's health concerns. Topics include reproductive health, pregnancy care, nutrition, preventive healthcare, and accessing medical services.

  • Health education workshops
  • Maternal health support
  • Health system navigation
  • Preventive care guidance

Mother & Child Program

Support for mothers with young children, including parenting skills, early childhood education, nutrition guidance, and creating safe, nurturing environments for children. The program also includes childcare support during training sessions.

  • Parenting workshops
  • Child development education
  • Family nutrition guidance
  • Mother-child activities

Leadership Development

We identify and nurture women leaders through training in communication, organization, advocacy, and community mobilization. These women become agents of change within their communities and help guide our programs.

  • Leadership skills training
  • Public speaking practice
  • Community organization
  • Mentorship opportunities

Support Circles

We facilitate women's support groups where participants can share experiences, build community bonds, address challenges, celebrate achievements, and grow together in a safe, supportive environment.

  • Regular support meetings
  • Peer counseling
  • Community building
  • Celebration of achievements

Zomi Women's Handicrafts

Beautiful creations preserving culture and creating livelihoods

The handicrafts created by Zomi women represent both cultural heritage and economic opportunity. Through our training programs, women blend traditional Zomi designs and techniques with contemporary styles to create products that appeal to a wider market while preserving important cultural elements.

Traditional Zomi Woven Textiles

Traditional Weaving

Hand-woven textiles using traditional Zomi patterns and techniques

Modern Handicraft Products

Contemporary Products

Modern designs incorporating traditional elements for everyday use

Embroidery and Needlework

Embroidery

Detailed handwork showcasing Zomi symbols and storytelling

Fashion Accessories

Accessories

Fashion items blending cultural heritage with contemporary style

The Impact of Handicraft Production

For Zomi women, handicraft production provides more than income—it creates dignity, preserves cultural knowledge, builds community, and develops transferable skills. Many women report that the process of creating beautiful items brings a sense of accomplishment and connection to their heritage during challenging times of displacement.

Economic Empowerment

Income generation through sustainable craft production

Cultural Preservation

Maintaining traditional techniques and designs

Community Building

Creating bonds through collaborative work

Skill Development

Building transferable abilities for various contexts

Women's Empowerment Stories

Real experiences of transformation and growth

Finding Independence Through Handicrafts

"When I arrived in Malaysia as a refugee, I had few options for supporting myself. Traditional employment was difficult without legal status, and I had three children to care for. The Zomi Women's Department taught me traditional weaving and contemporary fabric crafts. At first, I created items just for the community markets, but over time I developed my skills and designs. Now I sell to several shops in Kuala Lumpur and have even begun training other women. The income has allowed me to support my family, send my children to the education center, and feel a sense of dignity and purpose. Beyond the financial impact, the handicraft program connected me with other women who have become like family."

Esther, Handicraft Program Participant

Esther

Handicraft Program Participant & Trainer

From Isolation to Community Leadership

"After arriving in Malaysia, I felt isolated and overwhelmed. I didn't know other refugees, couldn't speak the local language, and was struggling with trauma from our journey. A neighbor invited me to a Zomi Women's support circle, and that changed everything. At first, I just listened as others shared their experiences, but gradually I found my voice. The women's department provided leadership training, and I discovered strengths I didn't know I had. Today, I facilitate two support groups and serve on the women's committee that helps guide department activities. What began as a place to find comfort has become a pathway to helping others and rebuilding my sense of purpose."

Nuam, Support Circle Leader

Nuam

Support Circle Leader & Committee Member

Health Knowledge Transforming Lives

"When I became pregnant with my first child in Malaysia, I had no idea how to access prenatal care or what to expect as a refugee seeking healthcare. The Women's Health Initiative provided workshops that explained Malaysia's healthcare system, helped me prepare for doctor visits, and connected me with a volunteer who accompanied me to appointments. Beyond the practical support, they created a mothers' group where I could share concerns and learn from other women's experiences. The knowledge I gained not only helped me through my pregnancy but has allowed me to make better health decisions for my entire family. Now I volunteer with the program, helping other women navigate healthcare during pregnancy."

Mary, Health Program Participant

Mary

Health Program Participant & Volunteer

Challenges & Solutions

Addressing obstacles to women's empowerment in refugee contexts

Childcare Barriers

Many women struggle to participate in programs due to childcare responsibilities, limiting their access to training and opportunities.

Our Solution:

We provide childcare during program activities, schedule sessions to accommodate mothers, and develop family-friendly initiatives that include children when appropriate.

Time Constraints

Women often balance multiple responsibilities including household management, informal work, and family care, leaving limited time for developmental activities.

Our Solution:

We offer flexible scheduling, modular training formats, and home-based participation options for certain activities, allowing women to engage at times that work for their circumstances.

Economic Vulnerability

Refugee women face significant economic challenges, including limited legal work options, exploitation risks, and immediate income needs that can discourage skill development.

Our Solution:

Our programs are designed to generate income quickly while building long-term skills. We provide materials support, market access, and income stability measures during training periods.

Cultural Transitions

Adjusting to life in Malaysia while maintaining cultural identity creates complex challenges for women who are often seen as cultural guardians in their communities.

Our Solution:

We create programs that honor cultural traditions while fostering adaptation skills, providing safe spaces to navigate cultural transitions and building cross-cultural competencies.

Join Our Women's Department

The Zomi Women's Department welcomes volunteers who can contribute to our empowerment programs. Whether you have craft skills, health knowledge, teaching abilities, or simply a passion for supporting women, there are many ways to get involved.

We Need:

  • Handicraft instructors and mentors
  • Health education facilitators
  • Workshop leaders and trainers
  • Childcare support volunteers
Learn About Volunteering Contact Us Today

Contact Our Women's Department

Reach out for program information or support

Phone

(603) 2142 6659 ext. 4

For program inquiries and information

Email

women@zam.org.my

For program details and general questions

Visit Us

155 (A), 1st Floor, Jalan Maharajalela
50150 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Women's programs schedule:
Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Department Head

Esther Nuam

Women's Program Coordinator

Current Program Schedule

  • Mondays: Handicraft Training (Beginner Level) - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • Tuesdays: Advanced Handicraft Workshop - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
  • Wednesdays: Mother & Child Program - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • Thursdays: Women's Health Workshops - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
  • Fridays: Support Circle Meetings - 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

All programs include childcare support. Registration is required for new participants.

Empower Women, Transform Communities

Join us in supporting Zomi refugee women through skills development, health education, and community building.

Get Involved Today