AWCM fosters collective action & community building The Afghan Women's Center of Montreal is a registered non-profit organization created in 2002.
AWCM aims to empower socially isolated immigrant women in Montreal by designing and implementing programs tailored to their specific needs through self-development workshops and collaborative projects. It aims to serve socially isolated women falling into the minority group and improve their quality of life through community engagement around Montreal. Its president is Makai Aref. Mission of the A
fghan Women's Centre of Montreal: - Establishing a relationship with socially isolated women and their families around Montreal. - Organizing gatherings and exchanging skills among women from different communities in order to promote the education of socially isolated women and their children and their integration into Quebec and Canadian society. - Establishing Afghan women seniors as trainers/educators for the younger generation. History: When Makai Harif arrived in Montreal in 2000, she noticed that many other women from her homeland were suffering from isolation. She started holding gatherings every two weeks during which Afghan women drank tea together and had an opportunity to gather. Two years later, the group was registered as a non-profit organization. Services: Since 2002, the Afghan Women’s Centre of Montreal has offered a variety of services ranging from cooking classes, traditional handicrafts like embroidery and crochet, computer and language classes and occasionally bringing in guest speakers to speak on different educational and health topics.
04/14/2026
Behind every successful event and meaningful activity at our Centre is the dedication, passion, and teamwork of our incredible team members. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and value the time, energy, and care they bring to our mission.
Their contributions help our community grow, while also creating opportunities for them to learn, develop new skills, and gain valuable experience through community leadership and engagement. Together, we continue to build stronger and more connected communities. 💙
04/11/2026
04/11/2026
✨ What an unforgettable moment!
This evening, we had the incredible opportunity to witness the live splashdown of the Artemis II crew as they returned from their journey around the Moon—right during the Liberal Convention.
Seeing this historic return happen in real time was truly inspiring. A powerful reminder of how far humanity can go when we dare to explore beyond limits. 🚀🌕
Welcome home to the crew—wishing them a safe recovery and celebrating this amazing achievement! 👏
04/08/2026
A glimpse into a beautiful evening of connection ✨
From traditions to togetherness !!
These moments from Bridging Traditions Across Cultures and Beliefs reflect the beauty of unity in diversity and the strength we build when we come together.
03/24/2026
✨ A Powerful and Inspiring Gathering – Voices of Many ✨
On March 20th, we had the privilege of hosting an incredible conference, “Voices of Many: Building Bridges Across Cultures and Beliefs.”
Thanks to the presence of our distinguished keynote speakers and engaged participants, the event became a meaningful space for dialogue, reflection, and connection. Together, we explored important and timely topics around multiculturalism, inclusion, advocacy, storytelling, and intercultural understanding.
Each speaker brought unique insights and lived experiences that enriched the conversation and inspired us all to think deeper about how we can build stronger, more inclusive communities. The discussions were thoughtful, impactful, and truly reflective of the diverse voices that shape our society.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, contributed, and supported this event. Your presence made this conference a true success.
💫 Together, we continue to build bridges, amplify voices, and create lasting change.
03/21/2026
✨ Tomorrow is the Night! Don’t Miss Out! ✨
Our Eid Meets Nowruz Celebration is happening TOMORROW, March 22 — Last chance to grab your tickets! Spots are extremely limited and selling fast — don’t wait until it’s too late! https://eidmeetsnowruz.eventbrite.ca
Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with:
🎶 Music & dancing
👗 Cultural fashion
🌿 Henna
🍽️ Delicious food
✨ And an incredible atmosphere of celebration and unity
⏰ Doors open at 7:00 PM
⚠️ Last chance to grab your tickets! Spots are extremely limited and selling fast — don’t wait until it’s too late!
🎟️ Secure your spot NOW and be part of this magical night!
Bring your friends, wear your traditional attire, and come celebrate culture, joy, and community with us ❤️
03/18/2026
Celebrate culture, community & joy with us 🤍
Join us for a beautiful evening where Eid meets Nowruz 🌙🌷
✨ Live music
✨ Cultural performances
✨ Afghan cuisine
✨ Fashion & more
🎟️ Limited seats — reserve your spot now
Link : eidmeetsnowruz.eventbrite.ca
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The Afghan Woman's Center of Montreal is a registered Non-Profit created in 2002, serving Immigrants women and their families in and around Montreal
Mission:
* Afghan Women Center’s mission is to empower socially isolated immigrant women within Montreal through creating programs according to their needs, facilitating self-development workshops and promoting team-based projects. Our goal is to provide opportunities for women falling into the minority group, and to improve their quality of life through community engagement.
Understanding and responding to the vulnerabilities of seniors, we offer inter-generational activities such as: social exchange, transference of skills, and creating opportunities to develop leadership roles.
AWC offers activities for seniors to promote a healthier lifestyle and mental well-being such as: walking group, Yoga classes, and reading lunch on health topics.
When Makai Aref arrived in Montreal in 2000 as an Afghan refugee, she noticed that many other women from her homeland were suffering from isolation.
She started holding gatherings every two weeks during which Afghan women shared tea and fellowship. Two years later, the group was registered as a non-profit organization.
Here is a message from President Miss: Makai Aref :
“I started The Afghan Women’s Centre of Montreal in 2002 with not much more than hope and a belief in women, women of any age and culture and place, as agents for positive change in their own lives and communities.
There were many growing pains along the way, and many challenges, and even a few moments when it seemed that those pains and challenges might prove insurmountable.
But we did surmount them, and today, one and a half decade later, as I present the annual report of 2017-2018, the Centre continues to grow and thrive in ways that surpass all the hopes and dreams I had and have for it.
This center began as a place where women from my own community and country of Afghanistan could break out of their social isolation and come together to learn about the opportunities available to them here in our adopted country of Canada. It began as a place, also, where they could support and lean on one other.”
Since 2002, the Afghan Women’s Center of Montreal has offered cooking classes, traditional handicrafts like embroidery and crochet, computer and language classes and guest speakers on different topics.
