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Welcome to the Congolese American Women Empowerment and Leadership (CAWEL) website! Our vision is to empower Congolese and African refugee and immigrant women in the US to heal, lead, and thrive in Boston, Massachusetts and beyond. Explore our programs in health, education, leadership, and cultural empowerment 

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Julie Kabukanyi,

President and CEO

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About Us

Who We Are

CAWEL is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to uplifting African immigrant women, especially survivors of war, trauma, and gender-based violence. Founded in Brockton, MA, we create safe, inclusive spaces for healing, education, leadership, and transformation.

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Our Mission
To foster empowerment and resilience through health education, wellness support, and lifelong learning.

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Our Vision
A vibrant community of African women leaders equipped to thrive and uplift others.

Our Programs

🩺 Health & Wellness Series

  • Mental Health Talks (with therapists in French, Lingala, Swahili)

  • Screenings: Pap smears, mammograms, diabetes, blood pressure

  • Reproductive and preventative care education

 

📚 Education & Youth Engagement

  • Parenting Teens in the U.S.

  • School Navigation & Dropout Prevention

  • Keeping Teens Safe: substance abuse, justice avoidance

 

🤝 Cultural Fellowship

  • Congolese Cuisine Community Meals

  • Storytelling & Music for Resilience

  • Sisterhood Through Dance & Shared History

Community Partnerships

We proudly collaborate with organizations driving equity and change in Brockton:

  • Greater Brockton Health Alliance: Behavioral health education

  • Brockton Coalition for Education Justice: School budget advocacy

  • Minority Business Association: Financial empowerment & networking

  • Local Schools & Libraries: Outreach and hosting

  • Faith-Based Groups: Community referrals & engagement

Impact Summary (2024)

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Total Participants:  100+ Women

Health Workshops: 12

Educational Topics: 10+ (ESL, digital literacy, etc.)

Guest Presenters: 18

Community Meals Shared: 500+ Plates

Teen Safety Sessions: 4 Workshops

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Empowering Women Today

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Creating a Brighter Future

At CAWEL, we are dedicated to empowering women and creating a brighter future for all. As we look ahead to 2025-2026, our goal is to expand our reach and impact. We aim to fundraise for an office space that will serve as a hub for our activities. Through various programs and initiatives, we strive to uplift and support women from all walks of life. Our focus is on promoting equality and providing opportunities for growth and development. Join us in our mission to empower African Refugee and immigrants women in the US and celebrate the strength and resilience of black African women.

Voices from the Community

“At CAWEL, I feel seen. It’s the first time I’ve talked about what I went through—and now I help others too.”
— Tshibanda M., Survivor and Volunteer Facilitator

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“They helped me speak English, get a mammogram, and send my son back to school. This is more than a group. It's hope.”
— Omba K., Mother and CAWEL Member

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Contact Us

Congolese American Women Empowerment and Leadership Inc. (CAWEL)
📧 kabukanyi3@gmail.com
🌐 www.congoamericawoman.org
📱 (781) 816-0007

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