Welcome to South London African Women Association (slawa) Limited
Building a world where all women are Safe, Strong & Valued.
SLAWA strives to assist African Women in exile in England and Wales as well as in Africa through its branches in London, Birmingham, and Brazzaville (CONGO).
Here’s how we support our communities
Our dedicated team of volunteers, advocates, and community leaders work to create real change for African and ethnic minority individuals across the UK.
Charitable Support
Providing essential aid to those in need — from housing help and clothing to emotional and practical support.
Education & Training
Delivering classes, workshops, and mentoring to improve language skills, confidence, and employment opportunities.
Poverty Relief
Helping families access food, safe shelter, and benefits, while supporting their journey to stability and dignity.
Arts, Culture & Heritage
Promoting connection and cultural pride through events that celebrate African heritage and creative expression.
Employment & Development
Empowering individuals with CV support, job-readiness training, and volunteering pathways to reduce isolation and build futures.
Advocacy & Advice
Navigating complex systems with trusted advice and advocacy in immigration, housing, healthcare, and more.
Women Supporting Women
We are built by women, for women — creating a safe, understanding space for mothers, refugees, and survivors to rebuild their lives.
Practical Life Skills
From sewing and cooking to English and French lessons, we help people gain real-world skills to live more independently and confidently.
Emotional & Spiritual Care
We support the whole person — offering prayer, moral support, and hospital visits to those going through hard times.
Congo & Global Outreach
Our commitment extends beyond the UK — supporting women and children in Congo through shelters, education, and emergency aid.
The People, Places, and Purpose Behind SLAWA
Discover who we serve, where we work, and how we support women and communities every day.
Who We Help
Supporting those most in need in our communities
We stand with children, older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals from African and ethnic minority backgrounds — especially refugees and asylum seekers navigating life in the UK.
Where We Work
Rooted locally, reaching further
From practical aid to tailored advice, we offer one-to-one support, advocacy, workshops, and trusted guidance that respond to the everyday challenges our communities face.
How We Help
Delivering hands-on support that transforms lives
From practical aid to tailored advice, we offer one-to-one support, advocacy, workshops, and trusted guidance that respond to the everyday challenges our communities face.
The Founders
Two women brought together by faith and compassion, Hortense and Indra laid the foundation for SLAWA to support South London’s African asylum seekers.
Hortense arrived in the UK in 1997 with two children. She struggled and went through a lot before she could legally remain in the UK. She had a great church supporting her, New Life Christian Centre in Croydon, especially Mr Chris Parker who was the Accountant & NLCC of the church.
In 2001 Indra came to the UK & joined NLCC. The two of them were introduced by young Nathanael Edwards ( now pastor at Storrington) for having similar ideas.
Hortense has a compassionate heart and love for people, especially for refugee & asylum seekers. It came apparent to Hortense that there was a huge African asylum seekers community living in poor conditions in South London. It was a burden in her heart as many were living without proper housing, clothing, food, no social life & their main barrier was the language. They spoke other languages other than English.
Seeing all these Hortense decided to start a charity. In 2003 with the advise of Chris Parker, Nathanael Edwards, Mr & Mrs John Edwards, Mrs Hortense Matoko formed the South London Women’s Association together with a few other members of New Life including Indra.
Hortense & Indra
Founders
Latest Projects
From grassroots aid to international outreach, our projects uplift lives and create lasting impact where it’s needed most.
Women’s Rescue Home – Congo
Providing safety, emotional care, and practical skills training to help vulnerable women rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.
School Supply Donations
Supporting children’s education by delivering books, backpacks, and essential tools to help them learn, grow, and reach their potential.
Let’s make a difference together
There are so many ways to get involved. Whether you can give time, funds, or items — your support helps us reach more women, families, and refugees in need.
Have something to offer? We’d love to hear from you.
Make a Donation
Every pound helps us provide food, clothing, education, and support services to those who need it most. One-time or monthly — it all makes a difference.
Give Supplies
We’re always collecting clothes, shoes, school kits, and household items. Got something to give? Drop-offs are welcome at our Croydon base.
Volunteer Your Time
Your time can make a real difference. Whether it’s helping at events, delivering supplies, supporting admin tasks, or sharing a skill like sewing or language, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.
Spread the Word
Tell a friend. Share our story. Follow us on social media. Raising awareness helps us reach those who need us — and those who want to help.