Refugee Women’s Association

Creating Opportunities Together

"All my life I have wanted to help others and I've made work my life"

Simin Azimi

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that our dear friend, colleague and director of RWA Simin Azimi has passed away.

Simin started working for and with refugees and migrants in the UK in July 1979 (long before the word ‘refugee’ was commonplace in the news and media) and her philosophy has always been to promote justice, fairness and equality.

She became the Director of Refugee Women’s Association (RWA) a registered charity based in the heart of London, in Dalston, Hackney in 1997. RWA’s mission being, to empower and enable refugee, migrant and asylum-seeking women and their families with their journey to integration and a new life.

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same. Simin was one of those unique people who touched the hearts and lives of many, helped and cared for everyone: clients, colleagues, friends, family and even people she didn’t know that well. She was fully committed to improving the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalised in society, and she will be truly missed.

Simin always maintained a positive and forward-thinking attitude. Even at difficult times, she preferred to trust in life and with diligence, determination and resilience believed anything could be achieved and radiated this amongst colleagues and service-users. We know that she truly inspired you and so many people she worked with and with whom she maintained a professional and friendly relationship.

As Simin would wish, we hope to carry on her legacy and commitment to the sector, especially during these extremely challenging and extraordinary times.