From April to May this year, we had the privilege of journeying with a wonderful group of Afghan women. We reached out to them through our Hope Groups
program, developed in 2024 in collaboration with World Without Orphans (WWO). What began as a safe space for sharing and healing grew into a circle of strength, sisterhood, and hope. Each week, we gathered to share stories of loss, courage, and rebuilding life in a new place. We processed grief and trauma, discussed parenting and stress, and practised simple self defence, reminders of both the vulnerability and power carried in our bodies.
These sessions were filled with laughter, Afghan Chai and home-cooked snacks. These small acts of hospitality became symbols of community, where healing often began around a shared cup of tea, a tradition
deeply rooted in the Afghan culture.
What made this year truly special was how the connections continued even after the official sessions ended. We met monthly for art therapy workshops and health talks on sexual and reproductive rights, creating ongoing spaces for learning, creativity, and empowerment. These gatherings reminded us that when women come together, they not only heal but they rediscover their voice and agency. Facilitating Hope Groups has been one of the most cherished and humbling experiences of my life. I’ve witnessed extraordinary resilience in women who have lost so much, yet still show up with grace, laughter, and compassion.
As we look ahead to 2026, we hope to train new facilitators, and bring Hope Groups to more refugee communities across Malaysia. More women will find what we found together: a place to belong and to know that there is hope in uncertainties.
