Sara’s story: “Because of KMEWO, I am settled”
Sara's plans were derailed by someone who took advantage of her trust, by infertility, and by two abusive marriages. Then she found the Kurdish and Middle Eastern Women’s Organisation (KMEWO).
When Sara arrived in the UK, she dreamed of having a family and working with disabled children. Those plans were derailed by someone who took advantage of her trust, by infertility, and by two abusive marriages.
“I was isolated, alone and living in in a hotel, disconnected from my community. I had negative thoughts during this time.”
Then Sara* found the Kurdish and Middle Eastern Women’s Organisation (KMEWO), a charity run by and for black and minoritised women in London who are survivors of domestic abuse and harmful practices. Fewer than half of the women coming to KMEWO feel able to report their abuse to policy, 20% have disabilities, and 49% don’t speak English when they first access help. Lloyds Bank Foundation backed KMEWO with £104,750 in grant funding between 2020 and 2024, as well as training for their operations manager, a review of their structure and financial systems to help them have more resilience and impact.
“Because of KMEWO, I am settled… I have completed my studies, am working full time, and have secure accommodation.”
KMEWO initially provided Sara with therapy that was sensitive to both the trauma she’d been through and her culture. By offering empathy and human interaction, Sara began to heal. Long-term counselling followed, to help her rebuild her identity and process her painful history.
After completing her sessions, Sara joined a Women’s Group, where she formed meaningful friendships and gained a sense of belonging. Sara also started a full-time job and, after 12 years, reunited with her family, marking a significant improvement in her mental health and overall well-being.
“If I hadn’t contacted KMEWO, I don’t think I would be alive.”
Sara is one of 664 women supported by KMEWO during the second year of our last grant to them.
of women supported by KMEWO left abusive relationships.
women benefited from their Women’s Development and Employment programme, including one who started volunteering to teach other women English as a second language.
women were helped to find safe accommodation.
*Sara's name has been changed.
You can read so much more about the impact KMEWO makes on their website.
