Uzima means wellness
A non-profit organization incorporated in 2012, working to alleviate poverty and augment wellness among at-risk populations facing health challenges brought about by a lack of access to better economic opportunities.
Our mission
Uzima provides care and support to families affected by the effects of war and disease in Canada and internationally, contributing to global efforts to relieve poverty and improve women's health and education.
Our vision
A world where women understand their rights and have access to quality health, education and economic stability.
Objectives
Empower Black and racialized community members in Toronto through employment-focused workshops — resume crafting, interview strategy, job skills, mentorship and job placement.
Alleviate poverty and advance education in rural communities through agricultural and kitchen-garden training for women living in poverty.
Fourteen years of work, rooted in community
Uzima focuses on medical care and medicines, good nutrition, and education for both women and men, with a focus on women's empowerment. We work where access is thinnest: with survivors of female genital mutilation and cutting, with isolated African seniors, with youth facing violence and trafficking risk, and with grassroots women's groups in Kenya.
As a not-for-profit we seek diverse voices in the work of improving uzima. We are open to all racial groups, and we especially encourage Black people, people of colour, and others currently under-represented in our governance to consider joining us in these leadership roles.
Join our governance →Uzima Women Relief Group International is incorporated in Ontario.
FGM/C research begins in Toronto's African communities — later published in seven languages.
Youth programming launches: safety, wellness, leadership and career development.
The Kenyan chapter launches; the first kitchen-gardening workshop runs in Western Kenya.
National award: Best Regional & International Marginalized Women's Support Organization, Canada.
Our board
Led by Executive Director Jacobet Wambayi, PhD, and governed by a board of directors bringing law, finance, social work, community development and social enterprise to the table.
Jacobet Wambayi, PhD
Leads Uzima's programs in Canada and its pan-African work, including the Kenyan chapter and the kitchen-gardening initiative in Western Kenya.
Amina Musa
A licensed paralegal at Ilhan Legal Services specialising in immigration law, and a certified Immigration Specialist at the Multicultural Association of Perth Huron, where she leads the Private Refugee Sponsorship program. With a law degree from the University of London and her own practice, Amina provides legal services to organizations and newcomers across Ontario. She joined the Uzima board in 2021.
Christine Amongin
Holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hon) from Ontario Tech University, an advanced diploma in business administration and accounting from Centennial College, and a diploma in business education from Uganda College of Commerce. With over fifteen years of finance experience at Centennial College, she is proficient in finance, budgeting, audit and government funding, and devoted to supporting NGOs.
Vivian Mante
A Community Outreach Worker at the African Canadian Social Development Council, where she maintains a network of over 115 African community non-profit partners, runs virtual workshops and community meetings, and supports grant writing and project implementation. Vivian coordinates conferences and workshops for seniors and volunteers on computer literacy programs. She holds a BBA in Human Resource Management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Margaret Nwosu
A Registered Social Worker with over fifteen years of managerial experience at a leading Toronto social service agency, and a Certificate in Immigration Consulting from Humber College. Her community involvement spans more than twenty years, including President of the Nigerian Canadian Association (GTA) and General Secretary of the Abia Community Association of Ontario.
Siamanda Emily Chege
A social entrepreneur and advocate for women's economic empowerment with more than twenty years creating sustainable opportunities across Africa and North America. Founder of Beberavi Collections, which has provided dignified employment to over 200 women artisans, and of Siamanda Collectif in Montréal. Her nonprofit The Chege Village has supported more than thirty orphaned and vulnerable children.
Minu Basi
Migrated to Canada in 1987 at the age of nine and built a thirty-year career in corporate enterprise and field sales, working with federal government accounts and Fortune 500 companies. In 2017 she launched her own business under the LRS brand. Her award-winning feature film I Am No Queen raises awareness of sex trafficking and the exploitation of international students.
Grace Paul
A paralegal at Ilhan Legal Services with experience in immigration law and community advocacy.
Join our governance
We especially encourage Black people, people of colour, and others currently under-represented in our governance to consider these leadership roles. Members in good standing are eligible to stand for the board.
Become a member →We do not work alone
Uzima has taken part in numerous community events and projects thanks to support from partner agencies. Our stories showcase current and past events with these organizations.