Samia Baho's Centre of Advancing Women Empowers Migrant Women in Melbourne
Samia Baho, a refugee from Eritrea who arrived in Australia in the 1970s, founded the Centre of Advancing Women in 2020. Based in Sunshine, in Melbourne's west, this volunteer-run support service focuses on empowering refugee and migrant women through employment and holistic assistance.
Building Independence Through Employment and Support
Baho believes that employment is one of the greatest ways to empower women, stating, "You're building someone to be financially independent to build their life, and that's the only way you will do well." The centre addresses barriers such as language issues, systemic racism, and lack of financial resources that many women face, even after decades in Australia.
Its training and employment pathways program has supported 27 women, mostly single mothers experiencing domestic violence, with 80% transitioning to paid work. The centre also includes a cafe, Morning Mix, and a beauty salon, providing practical customer service experience.
Community and Crisis Response
The centre serves as a drop-in hub where women share experiences and learn from each other. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Baho received an influx of calls from migrant women struggling with domestic violence and pandemic information. She helped deliver food to families, including those in locked-down public housing towers.
Many women turn to the centre after being turned away from mainstream services for not meeting risk criteria. A survivor of domestic violence, who requested anonymity, shared how Baho provided food, accommodation, and emotional support when she was pregnant and homeless, saying, "She treated me like her own child – literally. It just gave me that safety."
Volunteer Efforts and Funding Challenges
Supported by about 30 volunteers, the centre receives no ongoing funding. Volunteer Salma Warsame notes it fills a critical gap, as "Not many spaces like this exist for us. A lot of the times, people find it hard to navigate this system in Australia because it's unfamiliar." Baho's background includes work as an interpreter, social work studies, and roles in multicultural health and domestic violence organisations, building long-term community connections.
