Founded in 2007 by women in the Oakridge-Crescent Town neighbourhood of Scarborough, ON, South Asian Women and Immigrants' Services (SAWIS) represents a grassroots movement toward community empowerment and economic stability. Originally established as the South Asian Women's Rights Organization (SAWRO), SAWIS has evolved into a community-based association dedicated to the empowerment and integration of immigrant women while working to reduce poverty within the community. What sets SAWIS apart is its commitment to solutions designed by and for the women it serves. Rather than imposing external programs, SAWIS builds capacity within the community, enabling local women to take leading roles in addressing the challenges they face. This philosophy has guided the organization's work for nearly two decades, supported by partnerships with respected institutions including the United Way, Metcalf Foundation, and Ontario Trillium Foundation. In response to the critical need for economic opportunity in Scarborough's most vulnerable neighbourhoods, SAWIS has concentrated recent efforts on employment and employability programs. The organization recognizes that despite high levels of education, motivation, and skills from their home countries, many immigrant women lack Canadian work experience and marketable credentials. SAWIS stands as a trusted community partner, helping women gain the confidence, training, and connections needed to restart their careers and build secure futures for themselves and their families in Ontario.

For over four decades, the South Asian Women's Centre has been a cornerstone of community support in Toronto, ON, dedicated to uplifting South Asian women and their families. Founded in 1982 as the South Asian Women's Group, this voluntary organization has grown from its original location at Bloor Street West and Lansdowne Avenue to its current home at Dupont Street and Lansdowne Avenue, reflecting both the organization's expansion and deepening commitment to the community. What distinguishes the Centre is its fundamental philosophy: it is run by and for South Asian women, creating an inclusive space where women of all backgrounds and ages feel genuinely welcome and supported. The organization's mission extends beyond crisis intervention to fostering genuine community and belonging, recognizing that South Asian women navigate unique challenges including linguistic isolation, economic hardship, and complex family dynamics shaped by immigration status. With a generous network of donors and dedicated volunteers, the Centre has cultivated a community-first approach that emphasizes collective well-being and mutual support. The organization serves approximately 14,000 women annually across the Greater Toronto Area, operating with a multilingual team that honors cultural nuances and provides personalized care. By hosting wellness groups, seniors programs, and family-centered services, the South Asian Women's Centre creates meaningful connections that empower women to develop their full potential while building stronger, more resilient communities throughout Toronto. It represents a commitment to saying to South Asian women: you belong here, and we have your back.