African Women of Substance (AWS) was initially started in 2006 with a group of friends who came together socially once a month to share their experiences and support each other. In 2008, we decided to open these services to other African women in the community as we realised how much this service was needed. We then ran as a community based organisation offering support and information services to
women and their families. We became a registered charity in 2009 as we grew bigger and broadened the work and services we provide. Since then the organisation has developed various strands like planning community events to share cultural skills such as dance, drama, fashion and crafts. Our main aim is to facilitate the integration of and full participation of African Women into the community. The group also operate as a social entity where women from diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and practice conversational English. Many women benefit from the relaxed social environment, which enables them to discuss concerns and share advice about health, parenting and adjusting to life in the UK. We are proud to say that AWS has become a household name in the African community in Wolverhampton as our members are citywide. We now have 62 active members and a committee board consisting of 6 executive committee members.
