Our Founders
Sisterhood was founded on International Women's Day in 2018. Our Co-Founders - Bahar, Kalsoom, Nimo, and Waheeda - opened the first and only safe space for refugee women in Jakarta: The Sisterhood Community Center.
Kalsoom and Bahar have since been resettled to Canada. Nimo was resettled to New Zealand in 2023 and continues to lead the organisation as Director.
Our sister Waheeda tragically passed away in 2020 and we carry on this work in her memory.
Management Team
Nimo, Co-Founder and Director
"I have volunteered with many different projects for refugees as a teacher and community organizer but Sisterhood is my first and last one to keep my mind and heart - to work with faith and energy.
Sisterhood Community Center means a lot to me. It is my only place that I care about like my own property. I invested my time, energy and my ideas to make a better project to support every refugee woman suffering like me. This organisation is my home and heart. It keeps me surviving my daily struggle. It is the place where I feel that I’m not alone in the echoes of life. Sisterhood gives me a family that makes me proud of what I’m doing today.
My goal is to make this organisation home for every refugee woman globally one day.”
Arezoo, Manager
“I have been working with the refugee community both officially and non officially. I have the experience of communicating with people from different backgrounds. I have taught young kids computer classes and helped adults with translation.
I joined the Sisterhood as a member in 2018. I truly like the Sisterhood community because it mostly works on empowering women. I would really like to help this community to grow and become more stable. With the knowledge and experience which I have I believe I will play a sensational role and help my sisters to improve their skills and self confidence. Last but not least I have a bunch of ideas and thoughts in my head to apply and give benefits to refugee women as far as I understand them.”
Hala, Manager
"I have been involved with the Sisterhood as a member since 2020 and volunteered as a Crochet Teacher. In 2023, I joined the management team and truly became attached to the Sisterhood. I have also volunteered with different organisations for refugees as a kids teacher.
The Sisterhood is a unique place that makes every woman feels safe and comfortable as if they were in their home: empowering, supporting, educating and encouraging woman to let them stand on their legs and rely on themselves. I will do everything I can to help my sister who is struggling in this life to get whatever she is looking for - stability, confidence, safety... Hand by hand we can change and do the miracle things that we only see in our dreams."
Fahma, Manager
"I have been involved with the Sisterhood as a member since 2018 taking basic computer and jewelry classes. In 2023, I volunteered to coordinate Sisterhood online classes and then in 2024, I joined the management team helping to coordinate activities, and support with financial management and administration.
"The Sisterhood Community Center is where my story started from. The home full of sisters. Joy, happiness, and creativity of the refugee girls and women who live in limbo. A place of kindness, laughter, and sharing great conversations without judgment. Where we prayed for each other from our hearts and thought of one another. I'm glad to be a part of those sisters."