Women’s Equity Initiative

 

HMI’s Women’s Equity Initiative is a transformative program dedicated to empowering refugee women and girls in Riverside County, CA. By addressing critical barriers such as mobility, employment, and education, this initiative helps women take control of their lives and build a brighter, more independent future for themselves and their families.

Women, particularly those from our Afghan refugee community, face significant challenges—many do not have access to reliable transportation and struggle to find employment due to limited education and English skills.

Through this initiative, HMI is providing the tools necessary for women to overcome these obstacles and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

Approximately 70% of the women HMI serves cannot drive, severely limiting their ability to participate fully in society.

The Women’s Equity Initiative directly addresses this and other barriers, offering life-changing resources and a pathway to independence.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • With linguistically tailored behind-the-wheel training, refugee women can gain their driver’s licenses, dramatically increasing their ability to access jobs, education, and services without depending on others for transportation.

  • We support women and adolescent girls in exploring employment opportunities and entrepreneurship, providing them with business capital, mentorship, and skills training to succeed in the local economy.

  • By offering scholarships for vocational training and higher education, we help refugee women and girls break generational cycles of poverty and build sustainable careers.

  • Through English language classes, mental health workshops, and peer-led support, participants connect with others who understand their experiences, fostering a sense of community and shared resilience.

 

With the support of the Inland Empire Community Foundation, HMI is ensuring that every refugee woman we serve has the opportunity to overcome barriers and achieve her potential. With a focus on personalized case management, culturally relevant support, and skill-building resources, this program directly empowers women to take charge of their futures.

The Women’s Equity Initiative will have a lasting impact, not only transforming the lives of individual women and their families but also strengthening the fabric of our community as a whole. Together, we are creating a more inclusive, equitable society where refugee women can thrive and lead with confidence.

 

Thank you to IECF and the Seraphim Fund for supporting this program! Initiatives like the Women's Equity Initiative wouldn’t be possible without your commitment to promoting equity in Riverside County. Your support is truly making a difference in the lives of refugee women and their families.