Rabia fled her home with nothing but her life – she couldn’t speak English, had no friends or family to support her, and had no choice but to live in a women’s shelter with barely enough money to afford one small meal per day. Her Masters in Clinical Psychology was not recognised in Australia, and with no work visa or eligibility to study, she had limited prospects to improve her situation.
Then one of the workers at the shelter told Rabia about an adult communication education course delivered by The Zahra Foundation that was fully subsidised for women escaping similar situations, and Rabia embarked on her own pathway to empowerment.
At first, she felt like she was ‘nothing’, but she soon embraced the opportunity to practice her English, connect with other women and learn valuable new skills to change her life for the better.
“The Pathways to Empowerment course helped me regain my confidence and learn foundation skills in a safe environment with other women,” Rabia said.
“And on the days I attended the course, I was guaranteed a meal.”
Once she had completed the course, she was determined to gain employment, but without a recognised qualification she struggled to find even unskilled work as a kitchen hand or cleaner, making it difficult to gain any practical work experience.
Rabia persisted with her study goals, and with ongoing support and advocacy from The Zahra Foundation, she first completed courses at the University of South Australia before enrolling in the Bachelor of Psychological Science at Flinders University, completing in only 12 months with some recognition of prior learning.
She is now completing her Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy through the Australian College of Applied Professions.
“While studying, I volunteered at Zahra, and I’m now employed by them full-time as a case worker and adult community education program facilitator,” Rabia said.
Rabia’s journey has now come full circle as she delivers Pathways to Empowerment courses across regional South Australia, supporting more than 50 women like her to achieve their own further education and employment goals.
“I would not be where I am today if I had not visited The Zahra Foundation and enrolled in the Pathways to Empowerment course,” she said.
“It’s these small steps that have helped me grow, and I’m proud to be a role model to other women completing the program.”
