Empowering Afghan Refugee Women through free swimming lessons

Belgravia Leisure, in collaboration with Afghan Women on the Move (AWOTM), is proud to support a unique initiative in Sydney’s southwest that empowers Afghan refugee women with free swimming lessons.

This program not only teaches lifesaving skills but also helps these women experience the joy of being in the water without fear.

Swimming is a new opportunity for many Afghan women who fled their landlocked, war-torn homeland. The program offers them a chance to learn vital water safety skills, essential for their safety and the safety of their families.

AWOTM, a non-profit organisation, runs this initiative with Belgravia Leisure at Liverpool’s Whitlam Leisure Centre. The program provides lessons for 20 women, twice a week over 10-weeks, and is sponsored by the Belgravia Foundation who are supporting the program through RVM (Reverse Vending Machine) funds, enhancing the scope and reach of the initiative.

Pictured right: Maryam Zahid, CEO of Afghan Women On The Move (AWOTM). Picture by Inasha Iftekhar.

Maryam Zahid, CEO of AWOTM and a former refugee herself, understands the challenges these women face. Reflecting on her own experiences, she emphasised the importance of guidance and mentorship in navigating a new life in Australia.

Maryam told the Daily Telegraph, “I’m not saying everything here is perfect or easy, but you have the opportunity that if you want something you can fight for it without fear of being killed or put in jail”.

Since its successful launch at Whitlam Leisure Centre in 2022 and a subsequent run at Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre, the program now faces a “long waitlist” of eager participants.

Ms. Zahid’s primary goal is to empower Afghan women by providing free lessons and culturally appropriate swimwear, reducing as many barriers as possible so the women can just “bring themselves.”

“In Afghanistan, learning to swim was not a priority, and cultural stigma often prevented women from participating in such activities. Here in Australia, we want to give these women the chance to overcome their fears and embrace the water without any hesitation,” Ms Zahid said.

Mursal Aziz, 28. Picture: Inasha Iftekhar

One participant, Mursal Aziz, a graphics and animation designer, and volunteer coordinator, arrived in Australia less than a year ago. She walks 20 minutes to Whitlam Leisure Centre for the lessons, which she says provide a great opportunity to connect with the community, make new friends and manage stress.

“We are now in a country that is surrounded by water, and I find it’s very essential that we all know how to swim, that way we can help ourselves or others in an emergency,” Ms Aziz said.

With an average of 288 drownings each year in Australia, and around one in four victims being born overseas, Royal Life Saving Australia highlights the crucial role women in migrant communities play as advocates for water safety.

Liz Stranix, Belgravia Leisure’s NSW Area Manager, said, “We are deeply committed to supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference in our communities. Through Belgravia Leisure’s partnership with AWOTM, Belgravia Foundation, and our Council partners at Liverpool City Council, we are not just teaching a vital skill; we are helping to build confidence, promote integration and empower these women to embrace new opportunities”.

Ernest Kulauzovic, Area Community Engagement Manager for South-West and Western Sydney, added, “We are proud to support creating an environment where Afghan refugee women can learn, grow and become advocates for water safety within their families and communities. We are proud to be part of this transformative initiative and look forward to its continued expansion”.

As the Daily Telegraph mentioned, this initiative reflects the importance of empowering Afghan refugee women with opportunities previously denied to them.

Belgravia Leisure is committed to supporting initiatives that make a real difference in the communities we serve. This commitment ensures that everyone is welcome, providing essential skills and opportunities for all.

For more information visit the Whitlam Leisure Centre website or the Afghan Women on the Move website.