Learning and public education
We share knowledge and improve understanding of issues affecting women and girls who are refugees or seeking asylum, through events, discussions, publications and shared learning.
Sisters Not Strangers
Women with lived experience shaping learning, support and leadership
A coalition of grassroots groups and organisations working with women and girls who are refugees or seeking asylum. We bring together lived and learned experience to share knowledge, strengthen connections and create opportunities for women to participate and lead.
About us
SNS connects women and member organisations across communities
Our approach is grounded in compassion, inclusion, creativity and collaboration.
We value the knowledge women gain through their own experiences, alongside professional and practical expertise. Together, we identify needs, develop activities and share learning.
SNS is member-led. Members shape our direction, priorities and activities. The proposed trustees provide strategic guidance, governance and oversight as SNS works towards becoming an independent charitable organisation.
Our vision is a compassionate and inclusive society for all women seeking asylum and refugees.
Our work
What we do
Our work includes education, information and signposting, peer connection, research, wellbeing and leadership development. Women directly affected by the asylum system shape our priorities and how we work.
Information and signposting
We help women find relevant information and connect with appropriate organisations and services.
Peer connection and wellbeing
We create opportunities for women to connect, share experiences and support one another. Care, solidarity and wellbeing are central to our approach.
Research and evidence
We bring women's experiences and knowledge into research, public discussion and organisational learning, with attention to consent, dignity and safety.
Leadership and participation
We support women to develop confidence, skills and opportunities to contribute and lead. Women with lived experience help shape the work, rather than participating only as contributors to activities designed by others.
Partnership working
We connect member groups and organisations to share expertise, resources and learning.
Activities respond to identified needs and are delivered within the resources and capacity available.
Our strategy
Strategic direction
Members developed our strategic direction together at the Cardiff retreat in July and August 2026. The final strategy and accompanying action plan were approved at the SNS members' meeting on 11 September 2026.
Our strategy sets out three connected goals.
1. Build an independent, sustainable and well-governed organisation
We are strengthening the governance, funding, systems and capacity needed to sustain SNS's work.
Our priorities include diversifying income, clarifying responsibilities, developing realistic staffing and volunteer arrangements, strengthening communications and matching commitments to available resources.
2. Advance equality, public understanding and better outcomes
We aim to improve understanding and contribute to better outcomes for women and girls affected by the asylum system through education, research, public engagement and appropriate campaigning.
Mental health and wellbeing run across this work, including the effects of poverty, destitution, violence and barriers to services and support.
3. Inspire and empower lived-experience leaders
We aim to strengthen women's skills, confidence and opportunities to lead.
Our plans include learning and development in facilitation, public speaking, research, governance, fundraising, campaigning and digital communications. We will work to reduce barriers to participation, including travel, childcare and digital access, where resources allow.
The accompanying action plan sets out workstreams, responsibilities and review arrangements. Members' priorities, available resources and regular learning will guide delivery.
How we work
Our approach to governance and engagement
Member leadership and governance
Women with lived experience and member organisations lead the identification of needs, development of priorities, and design and delivery of activities.
The proposed trustees provide governance and strategic oversight while respecting members' substantive leadership. For the proposed CIO, trustees will be responsible for ensuring that activities and resources further its charitable objects.
Campaigning and policy engagement
Campaigning and policy engagement are possible methods of supporting SNS's charitable purposes, alongside education, information, support, research and leadership development.
Members shape campaigning priorities through SNS's participatory processes. For the proposed CIO, political activity will require collective trustee approval, a clear connection to its charitable objects, consideration of evidence, resources and alternatives, and arrangements for monitoring and review.
References to campaigning in SNS publications do not automatically authorise individual campaigns or policy demands.
SNS is independent of political parties and candidates. We do not support or oppose political parties or candidates.
Our history and earlier publications
SNS's work has developed through collective discussion, member-led activities, retreats and successive strategy processes.
Earlier publications, including the original manifesto and the 2024–2027 strategy, document that history. They reflect the context in which they were produced and do not constitute the proposed CIO's current governing programme or automatic authorisation for campaigning.
Our coalition
Member organisations
Our coalition brings together grassroots groups and organisations working to support women and girls who are refugees or seeking asylum across the UK.
CARAG
Based in Coventry, CARAG are a grassroots, migrant-led organisation that believe that people affected by an issue are best placed to find solutions. They support one another, advocate for their rights, and challenge the systems that keep people in poverty and uncertainty.
DEWA Project
Based in Sheffield, DEWA supports women forced to flee their countries to rebuild their lives in their new country through skills and capacity building and integration through civic engagement. They believe that every woman has the potential to bring about positive change to themselves, to their families, to their communities, and to society.
Refugee Women Connect
Based in Liverpool, Refugee Women Connect are a women's organisation working with service users, policy makers, local charities and the wider community to improve the safety and wellbeing of refugee and asylum seeking women.
The Women's Group Swansea
The Swansea Women's Group was set up to encourage wider social and civic engagement of members. Their focus is on multiple collaborations and network building, in order to raise awareness of the issues affecting women seeking asylum, and to campaign for their rights.
WAST Manchester
WAST Manchester share experiences, empower and support one another whilst fighting for their rights. They are a group of women seeking asylum, refugees and allies working together to raise awareness of the issues affecting women in the asylum system.
Women for Refugee Women
Based in London, Women for Refugee Women support women who are seeking refuge from persecution to rebuild their lives and communicate their own needs and aspirations. They empower women who have sought refuge in the UK to speak out, build confidence and leadership, and advocate for change.
Women With Hope
Based in the West Midlands, Women with Hope are a member-led charity whose focus is on improving the lives of women asylum-seekers, refugees and migrants. They provide hope and practical help, through supporting women to rebuild their lives and campaign for their rights.
Events
Upcoming events
Join us for learning, connection and action.
No upcoming events at the moment. Please check back or contact us to stay informed.
News & reflections
Latest updates
Policy on Paper, Consequences in Women’s Lives
Our Response to the Immigration and Asylum Bill On 30 June 2026, the Government introduced a new Immigration and Asylum Bill. Across the refugee and migrant sector, organisations…
SNS Right to Heal Conference 2026:Building Healing, Belonging, and Collective Power in Manchester
Coordinator By Dr I. Al-Farah, SNS Coordinator On Saturday, 23 May 2026, women from across the UK gathered in Manchester for the Sisters Not Strangers (SNS) Right to…
Mental Health Awareness Week 2026:Awareness Must Become Action
Content note: This article discusses suicide, trauma, asylum refusal, and mental health distress. Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 11 to 17 May 2026. This year’s theme,…
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