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The Maama Watali House: Ottawa's safe haven for  black & racialised women 

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OUR MISSION

To transform the lives of Black women and their families through culturally and trauma-informed support enabling them to heal, rebuild, and thrive after gender-based violence and personal loss.

Hundreds of thousands of racialized women, youth and children face systemic barriers.

Women and Children are disproportionately affected by these systemic challenges.

Our Approach

PROGRAMS

Delivering integrated programs that move women, youth, and children from crisis to stability, independence, and leadership.

RESEARCH

Turning lived experience and program outcomes into evidence that informs policy, funding, and scalable solutions.

ADVOCACY

Using community insight and data to shape policies and systems that better protect and include racialised populations.

PARTNERSHIPS

Collaborating with governments, foundations, and institutions to scale proven models and embed lasting change.

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10,000+ Lives

Touched through our programs since 2012, and we're just getting started.

Our Impact

115%

increase in women reporting economic independence

29%

increase in youth completing education programs

18%

increase in community support networks

85%

of families report improved wellbeing

TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES

A holistic, faith-informed model

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Maama Watali, meaning "in the absence of a mother," is an Ottawa-based, Black-led nonprofit founded by Susan Namulindwa. We build inclusive, faith-informed ecosystems where women, youth and children can heal, learn and lead.
 

Our story is one of resilience transformed into action. When women rise, families thrive and communities flourish.

PROGRAMS

The Seven Pillars

A Journey of Safety, Healing and Independence.

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FREEDOM TO FLOURISH

Restoring identity, belonging and purpose through spiritual grounding and personal leadership.

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SAFETY, DIGNITY AND INCLUSION

Survivor-centred, trauma-informed programmes that restore safety, dignity and choice.

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WOMEN'S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMNENT

Leadership training, financial literacy and access to capital for women entrepreneurs.

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FINANCIAL INCLUSION

Financial literacy, coaching and pathways to equitable credit for sustainable independence.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Homework and Mentorship Clubs providing structured after school learning and play.

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RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE

Turning lived experience into evidence, insight and innovation for systemic change.

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YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS

Practical skills, mentorship and opportunities for dignified work or starting ventures.

TESTIMONIALS

Voices of Change

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"Maama Watali gave me the confidence and skills to start my own business. I'm now supporting my family and inspiring other women in my community."

Aisha

Entrepreneur

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"The early childhood program has transformed how my children learn and play. They are thriving and happy."

Fatou

Parent

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"Through the youth entrepreneurship program, I found my purpose and learned that my dreams are achievable."

Amara

Youth Leader

Thank you to our Partners

We are grateful for the organizations that support our mission.

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When Women Rise, Families Thrive and Communities Flourish.

Join us in building inclusive ecosystems where everyone can heal, learn, and lead.

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