TODAY'S WEATHER

LEGAL NOTICE

WOWI

About Us

The WORLD OF WOMEN IMMIGRANTS (WOWI) is a not-for-profit educational women’s organization established on January 15, 1999, established for numerous purposes, including the promotion of positive appreciation for the cultural and artistic contributions of immigrants, but foremost this worthy organization’s aim is to assist women immigrants to integrate into all aspects of the civic, legal, economic, social and communal life of America.  Svetlana B. Levitin is the founder of World of Women Immigrants. She is a leader and activist in the Bukharian community in promoting the preservation of Bukharian culture and a local Bukharian communal structure that would respond to the needs of all Bukharians.  Ms. Levitin noted a rising number of women approaching her to discuss many problems ranging from assimilating to their new country to domestic abuse and family issues.  Consequently, Ms. Levitin reached out to several women in the Bukharian community to join her in developing programs that would help victims of domestic abuse, teach women about their legal rights, assist them in adapting to life in the United States, and encourage artistic programs in immigrant communities.  This effort soon became the World of Women Immigrants.

In the course of its existence, World of Women Immigrants has engendered the trust of many Bukharian women.  Meetings, which occur once a month, provide a comfortable setting in which Bukharian Jewish women speak freely about their problems.  At first, meetings were social gatherings at a local Bukharian restaurant where women would discuss issues of concern such as family life and the difficulties of adapting to life in New York.  Ten women attended the first meeting.  Today as many as 50-60 women attend meetings and substance has been added to the opportunity to socialize and talk about issues of concern. Meetings continue to take place at local restaurants that make their banquet space available at reduced costs or at local synagogues.  Attendance has grown through ads placed in local Russian language newspapers and articles describing the programs provided by the World of Women Immigrants as well as through word of mouth.  Ms. Levitin and her board members take care to ask participants what issues they want addressed. Knowing that they are not qualified to answer the issues raised by the women who participate in their programs, board members have developed relationships with organizations that can provide the necessary substantive programs. The Board has worked with NYANA, Cancer Free Inc. and Elmhurst Hospital and also with other Bukharian and Jewish community organizations. In relation to domestic issues including abuse, Ms. Levitin has called upon female friends who are attorneys specializing in family law to discuss women’s legal rights.   

With the help of these groups, World of Women Immigrants has been successful in organizing eight educational seminars.  The topics have been related to women’s issues, i.e. medical and health issues, legal rights, drug abuse prevention and treatment and domestic violence prevention and treatment.  One example is the legal rights seminars, which have focused on women’s rights in the family and workplace.  Another example, Cancer Free Inc. offered free mammography to the members of our organization and six women were diagnosed with problems.  The programs most in demand are related to legal issues.   

World of Women Immigrants’ activities are entirely planned and implemented by volunteers who have been paying for program costs, usually space rental and refreshments out of pocket. What began as an effort by one woman to help women handle domestic stress, has now become a more formalized program planned and implemented by its all-female board.  The World of Women Immigrants has also become a member of the newly formed Council of Jewish Émigré Community Organizations to ensure the voice of Bukharian women as well as the Bukharian community it heard.  As is the case with so many non-profit organizations, WOWI depends heavily on the contributions of philanthropic individuals and organizations in order to continue to implement these necessary programs and to expand their resources.  Tax-deductible donations may be made to World of Women Immigrants.  We greatly appreciate your continued interest and support!