FRAUENHAUS (Frauen Helfen Frauen e.V.) is an anonymous shelter and refuge for women and their children who are experiencing physical, economic, psychological or sexualized abuse from a domestic partner. It provides advice and support in enabling women to escape typically male violence and in building a self-determined and secure life. A multi-professional team provides educational and individual support for approximately 20 women and their children.

The MIWC supports the Frauenhaus on a regular basis in accordance with our club constitution which specifically identifies the organization as a charitable beneficiary of the club. Our charity money goes to finance cultural enrichment activities for the children residing in the Frauenhaus, as well as self-defense courses and other programs supporting the women and mothers receiving shelter at the house. In addition, donations of club members in December enable mothers to purchase Christmas presents for their children.

HOPE FOR GIRLS AND WOMEN TANZANIA (SAFE HOUSE)

Edina Wankuru Chacha Makubati Life Journey

Wankuru Chacha Makubati is an 18 years old girl from Masangura Village in Serengeti District, Mara Region. She is the sixth child in a family of ten children, born into community where harmful traditional practices, including female genital mutilation (FGM) are still deeply rooted.

Edina’s life took a difficult turn when she was in standard five. Her biological father planned to subject her to FGM so that she could be married off at early age. However, Edina was not unaware of the dangers she was facing. Through awareness sessions conducted by Hope for Girls and Women in Tanzania (HGWT) in her community and school, she had learned about FGM and its lifelong physical, psychological and social consequences. Empowered with this knowledge, Edina made a brave decision to refuse the practice, despite the pressure from her own family.

Fearing for her safety, Edina reached out for help to a teacher at Masangura Primary school, whom she trusted. The teacher immediately contacted Mugumu Safe house. Through strong collaboration between the safe house, the social welfare office and the Gender and Children Desk, Edina was rescued and safely transferred to Mugumu safe Hosue.

At the safe house, Edina found more than protection, she found hope and she received comprehensive support, including food, clothing, psychosocial care and continued access to education. In an environment free from fear and violence, she was able to heal emotionally and focus on her studies.

Today, Edina is a resilient young woman who has successfully completed her Form Four studies in 2025 and is currently awaiting her national examination results, expected in February 2026. Her experiences have shaped her vision for the future. Edina dreams of pursuing Mass Communication so that she can use her voice to educate communities about FGM and advocate against its harmful effects. She believes that informed its harmful effects. She believes that informed communities can protect girls and bring lasting change.

Edina’s story is a powerful example of courage, the importance of awareness and the life – saving impact of timely intervention and safe space. With continued support, her voice has the potential to reach far beyond her village – protecting other girls and inspiring communities to abandon harmful practices.

ZANSAITOS e.V. is a registered non-profit organisation supporting massai families and communities in Tanzania with education, medical support, food and water supply as well as support for own business set up.  

Currently the MIWC sponsors Deborah Elishilia with the school fees for her secondary education at Fransalian Hekima Seminary Secondary School in Usa River, Tanzania. The grant covers instruction, boarding and school materials. 

The private secondary education also includes additional instruction in small-scale agriculture ensuring a healthy diet.

Deborah is a very good and ambitious student and very keen to study.

Furthermore, MIWC sponsors a clubfoot treatment for little Sarah. Many children in Tanzania have to walk long distances to school every day, and untreated clubfoot makes this journey even more difficult. This life-changing treatment will help her to walk freely and live an active life in her future.

For more info, visit Zansaitos e.V

Environmental Sustainability — A New Pillar

MIWC has always been about women showing up for each other — over coffee, on a hike, at a market stall raising money for someone else's cause. This new pillar is just one more way of showing up, this time for the city and the planet we share.

It's open to anyone who's ever felt a small flicker of concern for the planet and thought, maybe I could do a bit more. No expertise needed — just curiosity, and good company along the way.

We'll get our hands in the soil at planting days, organise the occasional park tidy-up or local clean-up, run a workshop or two, have chats over coffee about the things on our minds — climate, nature, waste, the everyday stuff. Nothing heavy-handed, just useful and real, and share ideas and resources along the way.  Whatever small step feels doable — a reusable cup, a walk instead of a drive — all ideas are welcome here, and no pressure attached.

As Susan Hodgson envisioned when this club began: Women want community. We need friendship, and we need ways to make the world a better place. This is simply another way of doing that, together.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND VOLUNTEERING brings many personal rewards to our members. From an enhanced sense of purpose and personal fulfillment to the development of skills and social contacts, members can offer their time, knowledge and skills to promote cultural exchange and enhance their communities.

We are looking for opportunities for community engagement and will communicate these to our members over the course of the year.

KARLA 51

Members continue to donate slightly used, high quality items to Haus Karla. Please check with the Charity Team to find out what type donations they are in need of at the moment. Members can drop off their donations personally. There are also individual volunteer opportunities here, such as helping women who visit the Kleiderkammer find the items they need.