As an elementary school student, Safia began helping newly arrived families by translating for family doctor appointments and other essential meetings, drawing on her own family’s immigration experience.
Now, Safia leads the Women’s Inclusive Team (WIT) as its CEO, a grassroots charity dedicated to supporting women from diverse backgrounds through socially inclusive, culturally sensitive and wellbeing-focused programs.
Catalysts for innovation
By moving between cultures and belongings, migrant and diaspora leaders not only gain a unique perspective, but often become catalysts for innovation, strengthening local communities, families and services, and contributing to society at large.
Safia Jama (left) has dedicated her career to supporting women from diverse backgrounds in East London, UK.
Together with other women, Safia began organizing small sessions focused on play-based learning and parenting.
“When I became a mother in my early twenties, I realized how powerful learning through play could be, especially if women experienced it together,” Safia recalls.
At the time, these approaches were not widely accessible in all communities and many mothers lacked spaces where they could learn from and support each other.
As the charity grew, these activities expanded beyond apprenticeships, opening pathways into employment and skills development for women in the community.
“Today, work creates opportunities that support both families and livelihoods,” Safia said.
Diaspora leadership
Remittances are vital for cross-border families and communities – around £9.3 billion is sent from the UK to Somalia each year.
Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
In partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the WIT project helps diaspora communities reduce these costs.
Through digital financial education activities, participants cut remittance fees in half in the first year, allowing families to make better use of their resources.
For Safia, however, diaspora leadership goes far beyond financial transfers. It is rooted in care, resilience and responsibility, and contributes to stability and opportunity both in home countries and in the UK.
“The connection with our villages in the countries of origin is crucial,” he said. “Like everywhere, big cities tend to attract the most resources. The money we send helps build roads, hospitals and supports communities that might otherwise go unnoticed.”
Women are crucial
According to Safia, women play a central role when it comes to remittances. “It is often women who manage money transfers. They play a central role in supporting their families and communities.” she emphasized.
Women not only handle the majority of money transfers, but they also share the knowledge they gain with others in their community, often driving both cultural and systemic changes.
Safia’s story reflects the strength of diaspora leadership, built through care, shared knowledge and long-term commitment.
Through women supporting women and communities investing in each other, their journey shows how everyday acts of responsibility can strengthen societies over time.