Asian Immigrant Women Advocates [AIWA] was founded in 1983 in recognition of the needs of low-income Asian immigrant women. AIWA’s mission is to empower low-income, limited English speaking Asian immigrant women workers to stimulate positive changes in their workplaces, communities and broader society.



AIWA works with women workers employed in the garment, hotel, restaurant, electronics assembly and other low-wage industries in Oakland, San Francisco, and Santa Clara County’s “Silicon Valley”. AIWA seeks to empower women through education, leadership development and collective action, so that they can fight for dignity and justice in their working and living conditions.



PROGRAMS

Women’s Leadership programs at AIWA provide low-income immigrant women with training about workers and immigrant rights so that immigrant women can advocate for justice in their community.



Health and Safety are major issues for immigrant women workers in garment, electronics and other low-wage industries – including neck, back and arm injuries as well as toxic chemical exposure. AIWA health and safety programs work to prevent injury so that workers can have respect and health on the job.



Youth Build Immigrant Power Project develops the leadership and organizing skills of low-income Asian immigrant youth in Oakland – many of whose mothers are low-wage workers. Through training and campaigns, YBIP engages young people in seeking solutions to injustice in their community.