Programs

Women’s Empowerment Circles

In Austin, Texas, Iraqi women, especially immigrants, refugees, and first-generation Americans face unique barriers to full participation in economic, civic, and cultural life. Many carry the burden of trauma, displacement, or cultural disconnection, while navigating a complex system of resettlement, unfamiliar institutions, and gender norms that often render them invisible.

Lack of tailored resources in Arabic, limited access to childcare, transportation, and culturally relevant job training make it harder for many Iraqi women to pursue education or economic opportunities. Those with degrees or professional experience from Iraq often struggle to have their qualifications recognized. Additionally, social isolation and gender-based cultural expectations may restrict their community involvement or confidence to lead.

There are few spaces in Austin where Iraqi women can gather, build trust, celebrate their heritage, learn new skills, and find role models who look like them. While the broader city is rich in women’s networks and cultural organizations, Iraqi women remain underrepresented and underserved within those systems.

How We’ll Get There

At Shako Mako, we believe meaningful change begins by meeting Iraqi women where they are, honoring their stories, strengths, and struggles, while building pathways for growth, leadership, and belonging. Our approach is holistic, culturally rooted, and designed to break isolation, foster resilience, and create opportunities.

Create Safe and Culturally Affirming Spaces

We will establish welcoming, women-only environments where Iraqi women can connect, share, and build trust. These spaces will become the foundation for healing, community building, and leadership development, free from judgment or pressure to assimilate.

Empower Through Skill-Building & Education

We will offer practical workshops and training in areas such as:

• English language and conversational fluency.
• Financial literacy and budgeting.
• Workforce readiness and job search support.
• Entrepreneurship and small business skills.
• Digital literacy and navigating online systems.

All materials and facilitators will be culturally responsive and, when needed, offered in Arabic or supported by interpretation.

Strengthen Support Systems

We will reduce barriers by providing

• Onsite childcare during events and programs.
• Transportation assistance or accessible locations.
• Referrals to trusted local services (healthcare, legal aid, housing).

This ensures women are not left behind due to caregiving roles or lack of access.

Foster Mentorship & Leadership

We will create peer-mentorship programs and leadership cohorts that connect Iraqi women with each other and with leaders in Austin’s broader women’s community. These relationships will help build confidence, networks, and visibility in both Iraqi and mainstream spaces.

Celebrate Culture as a Tool of Empowerment

Through storytelling nights, cooking classes, traditional arts, music events, and cultural forums, we will celebrate the richness of Iraqi heritage while strengthening women’s voices. Cultural pride becomes a source of resilience and power.

Collaborate and Advocate

We will partner with local organizations, schools, city agencies, and advocacy groups to ensure Iraqi women’s needs are represented in policy, programming, and funding decisions. We will work to make Austin more inclusive and responsive to the voices of immigrant and refugee women.

This approach reflects our belief that empowerment is not just about programs, it’s about transformation, connection, and visibility. Iraqi women have always been strong. Our role is to create the space, support, and community that helps them rise.