# HAWI — Center for Equity and Empowerment of African Women

> HAWI is a community-driven platform designed by and for African women in Germany. It provides free, multilingual resources for legal rights, mental health, career guidance, financial literacy, and community support.

## About

HAWI (Center for Equity and Empowerment of African Women) empowers African women navigating life in Germany. The platform connects users with trusted resources, professional opportunities, and supportive networks. It is built on three core pillars: Empowerment Through Knowledge, Community & Sisterhood, and Wellbeing & Resilience.

## Key Features

- **Know Your Rights Guide**: Free downloadable guide covering residence permits, Ausländerbehörde procedures, workplace rights, healthcare access, and anti-discrimination protections in Germany.
- **Starter Pack for Life in Germany**: Comprehensive onboarding resource with modules on bureaucracy, housing, healthcare, employment, language learning, and cultural integration.
- **HAWI AI Assistant**: A warm, multilingual AI chatbot (English, German, French) that provides empathetic guidance on German bureaucratic systems including Ausländerbehörde, Jobcenter, and Krankenkasse.
- **Community Membership**: Annual membership (€12/year) offering peer support, workshops, and networking for African women in Germany.
- **Workshops & Mentorship**: Professional development workshops covering career skills, financial literacy, and personal growth.
- **Trusted Advisors**: Access to verified professionals including immigration lawyers, therapists, and career coaches.
- **Community Circles**: Free peer support groups for shared experiences and mutual aid.
- **City-Specific Resources**: Localized information for African women in Berlin, with expansion planned to other German cities.

## Languages

The platform is available in English, German (Deutsch), and French (Français).

## Target Audience

African women living in or relocating to Germany, including immigrants, refugees, students, and professionals.

## Topics Covered

- Immigration and residence permits in Germany
- Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) procedures
- Mental health and wellbeing resources
- Financial literacy and career development
- Legal rights and anti-discrimination protections
- Healthcare access and Krankenkasse navigation
- Housing and accommodation in Germany
- Language learning and integration courses
- Domestic violence support and safe spaces
- Community building and peer networks

## Emergency Resources

- Police Emergency: 110
- Hilfetelefon (Violence Against Women Hotline): 08000 116 016
- Frauenhaus (Women's Shelter): Local listings available

## Contact

Website: https://hawi.app