MARIAM YUSUF

2016

WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER   

Mariam Ibrahim Yusuf, orignally from from Somalia now living in Manchester, was awarded The Woman Of the Year Award.  Mariam arrived in the UK in 2008 fleeing war and gender-based violence in Somalia and leaving behind her two children, convinced that they would soon join her. But eight years later, having been detained, destitute and homeless, Mariam is still stuck in the asylum system.  
Wanting something positive to come out of her experience, Mariam has dedicated her time to campaigning to ensure that asylum-seekers are not forced into similar hardships. A tireless champion for the rights of women who have experienced domestic violence and FGM, Mariam is a source of support and hope for many people who are seeking protection and trying to rebuild their lives. She is not giving up hope of seeing her children again.