Director's Note

Hajarah is a passionate women’s rights and community empowerment advocate whose life and work are defined by resilience, service, and a deep commitment to social justice. Originally from Uganda, Hajarah immigrated to Canada with a strong desire to contribute meaningfully to her new home while uplifting others facing similar journeys of transition and settlement.

As a woman navigating the complexities of immigration, cultural adaptation, and systemic barriers, Hajarah witnessed firsthand the unique challenges experienced by immigrant and refugee women—particularly in areas of access to information, social inclusion, economic empowerment, and protection of rights. Rather than allowing these challenges to limit her, she transformed them into a powerful motivation to serve and advocate for others.

Driven by a vision of equity and inclusion, Hajarah co-founded African Community Empowerment and Support Services–Canada (ACESS), a community-based organization dedicated to supporting immigrants, refugees, and newcomers as they build stable and dignified lives in Canada. Through ACESS, she has played a pivotal role in advancing programs that promote women’s rights, family well-being, settlement support, youth empowerment, and community integration.

Hajarah’s leadership is grounded in compassion, cultural understanding, and a strong belief in the potential of every individual. She continues to champion safe spaces where women and families are informed, empowered, and supported to overcome barriers and become active, confident participants in Canadian society. Her journey stands as an inspiring testament to the power of advocacy, collaboration, and community-led solutions in creating lasting social change.