Uzima Women Relief Group International

What Uzima Women Relief Group International does

Uzima Women Relief Group International is a Toronto-based non-profit organization incorporated in 2012 (Kiswahili: "wellness") that delivers trauma-informed, culturally responsive programming for Black and racialized communities in Canada and internationally. Core service lines include youth violence and human trafficking prevention (YVHTPP, funded by MCCSS), women's health programming anchored by FGM/C awareness research since 2016 and the now-completed Flourish Project (PHAC-funded, 2018–2024), senior wellness via Age Well at Home (Government of Canada, 2023–2025) and New Horizons for Seniors, and international development in Western Kenya launched in 2022. The technology stack is conventional rather than AI-enabled: a youth-led digital content platform (SUVAT Blue) producing videos, blogs, podcasts, and photography; WhatsApp support groups; virtual workshops and webinars; multi-language (seven-language) FGM/C fact sheets; and an e-commerce online store selling Kenyan/African artisan merchandise.

The organization operates through a diversified, grant-driven revenue model rather than commercial pricing. Funding comes from Canadian federal, provincial, and municipal government programs (PHAC, MCCSS, ESDC, Age Well at Home, City of Toronto), the Canadian Red Cross and United Way Greater Toronto's Community Services Recovery Fund, corporate sponsors (Elexicon Energy, TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, McLean Foundation), individual donations (including vehicle donations and Canada Helps), membership fees at $10–$40/year across individual/joint/group/corporate tiers, and merchandise sales. Programs are delivered free of charge to beneficiaries across youth (ages 12–29), women (ages 16+), and senior cohorts in Toronto, the GTA, Calgary, and Kenya, supported by an 11–50 person staff, approximately 30 trained volunteers, and a referral network of over 115 African community non-profit partners. Governance rests on an 8-person Board led by Chair Amina Musa, Treasurer Christine Amongin, Secretary Vivian Mante, and Executive Director Jacobet Wambayi, PhD.

Name

Uzima Women Relief Group International

Legal name

Uzima Women Relief Group International

Website

https://www.uzimawomeninternational.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Toronto-based non-profit founded in 2012 that delivers trauma-informed, culturally responsive programs for Black and racialized communities across Canada and Kenya, spanning youth violence and human trafficking prevention, FGM/C awareness, senior wellness, and international women's empowerment.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Social Services

NAICS

Human Rights Organizations (813311), Social Assistance (624)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Gender Equality & Women’s Rights Advocacy (BPAGAFAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Refugee & Immigrant Support Services (BPAGAEAI)

Keywords

• Community health services
• Youth mentorship programs
• Women support services
• Senior wellness programs
• Nonprofit social services

Headquarters

HQ city

Toronto

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Government Grants & Funding: Major funding from government agencies including Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Government of Canada Age Well at Home Initiative, and City of Toronto.
2. Individual & Corporate Donations: Tax-receiptable donations accepted via the organization's Canada Helps page, mail, and vehicle donations. The organization holds charitable status enabling it to issue donation receipts.
3. Membership Fees: Annual membership subscriptions at three tiers: Community member ($10/year individual, $15/year joint spouse), Group membership ($20/year), Corporate membership ($40/year), plus one-time non-refundable registration fees.
4. Merchandise & E-Commerce Sales: Online shop selling Kenyan/African artisan goods including Lesos (wraps), bracelets, earrings, handbags, and artwork. Proceeds fund grassroots international projects.
5. Corporate Sponsorships & Fundraising Events: Annual fundraising dinners, auctions (e.g., portrait auction), and sponsorship from corporate funders such as Elexicon Energy, TELUS, McLean Foundation, and others.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Uzima Women Relief Group International is a community-based nonprofit organization serving Black women, youth, and seniors in the Toronto/GTA area. The organization delivers trauma-informed, culturally responsive programs covering mental health, sexual assault and human trafficking support, caregiver support, senior wellness, food security, and adult education and employment skills development. It also runs annual community events and an online boutique selling branded merchandise.

Product overview

Uzima Women Relief Group International operates as a non-profit organization offering a portfolio of community-focused programs rather than a unified technology product. Core programs include youth development initiatives (Youth Violence & Human Trafficking Prevention Program, SUVAT Blue digital platform, Canada Summer Jobs, F.U.N Program), women's health and empowerment services (Gender Based Violence Program, FGM/C Awareness, Flourish Project), and senior care programs (Age Well At Home, New Horizons for Seniors). The organization also runs international development work in Kenya, an online merchandise shop, and membership programs. SUVAT Blue serves as the primary digital platform enabling youth-led content creation for awareness campaigns.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SUVAT - Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking Program
• Aganza Big Sis Program
• Uzima International Youth Mentorship Program
• Uhuru Minds Wellness Hub
• Mama Africa Caregiver Support Group
• Silver Stars Seniors Program
• Adult Education and Employment Skills Development
• Community Garden and Food Security Program
• Annual Baraza Youth Conference
• Annual Uzima Fest
• The Uzima Boutique

Quantifiable outcome

• Expanded reach across Canada and internationally with active programming in Toronto, GTA, Calgary, and Kenya
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• Bridge To Oasis (BTO) FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2023Calgary-based partner for the Age Well at Home Initiative (Expanding effective organizational capacity to support Black seniors), funded by the Government of Canada's Age Well at Home Initiative. BTO brings culturally appropriate senior support services to Calgary.
• Kenya Canadian Association (KCA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Collaborative partner for the Age Well at Home Initiative in Toronto and for the Canada Service Corps Black Youth Empowerment Towards Community Development (BYETCD) program. KCA serves as a key partner in international programming and cross-Canada outreach.
• Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre (CHC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2018Implementation partner for the Flourish Project (April 2018 – March 2024), funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. Uzima collaborates with this CHC to engage, empower, and support women affected by FGM/C through education, awareness-raising resources, and support linkage to care for survivors and women at risk aged 16 and over.
• Harm Reduction TorontomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Youth Violence and Human Trafficking Prevention Program (YVHTPP), delivering tailored education on substance use, harm reduction, and mental health for at-risk youth in Toronto.
• Strides TorontomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with Uzima's YVHTPP to deliver specialized human trafficking prevention workshops grounded in safety, awareness, and real-world scenarios for youth aged 12–29.
• End FGM/C Canada NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUzima is a member of this non-partisan network working to end female genital mutilation/cutting in Canada and globally. The network organizes awareness campaigns across Canada, applying for proclamations declaring February 6 as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
• Taibu CHC (Community Health Centre)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a community partner in the About Us section, providing healthcare and community services referrals and collaboration on programming for Black communities.
• Black Youth HelplinemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a community partner, collaborating on youth-focused programming and resource sharing for Black youth across Canada.
• AMREF Canada (African Medical and Research Foundation)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a community partner, providing international health expertise and supporting cross-border health initiatives for African communities.
• African Canadian Social Development Council (ACSDC)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUzima's Board Secretary Vivian Mante serves as Community Outreach Worker at ACSDC. The organizations collaborate on outreach, workshops, and community engagement across over 115 partner agencies in the African diaspora.
• Rotary Club of Bluffs (RCSB)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a community partner supporting community events and projects, with shared commitment to service and social impact in the African-Canadian community.
• Nnekes (NNS)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a community partner collaborating on events and projects for African communities in the Toronto area.
• Elevations (ELSCI)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a community partner supporting youth and community development initiatives.
• Abeingo CanadaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a community partner, collaborating on events and initiatives serving African communities.
• APAA (African Professionals Association of Alberta)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a community partner supporting African professionals and communities across Canada.
• KCA (Kenyan Canadian Association) – Additional ReferencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing community partner listed across multiple sections of the website, supporting international Kenya programming and domestic youth empowerment initiatives.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre: Toronto-based CHC serving Black and racialized women with health and social services. Uzima's Flourish Project partner on FGM/C work; directly comparable mission and beneficiary population in the same geography.
• Taibu Community Health Centre: Community Health Centre serving Black communities in the Greater Toronto Area. Listed community partner of Uzima with overlapping programming for Black populations and shared geographic catchment.
• African Canadian Social Development Council (ACSDC): Network of African community organizations in Canada. Uzima's Board Secretary Vivian Mante works there and the 115+ partner network flows through this organization, making it a structural peer and ecosystem anchor.
• Bridge To Oasis Foundation: Calgary-based nonprofit serving Black seniors through the Age Well at Home Initiative. Direct co-implementation partner of Uzima on the same federal grant, with shared mission and identical funders.
• AMREF Canada (African Medical and Research Foundation): Canadian arm of Africa's largest health NGO, focused on African community health and international development. Comparable international development footprint in Africa and shared health empowerment framing.
• Kenyan Canadian Association (KCA): Toronto-based community organization serving the Kenyan diaspora in Canada. Core strategic partner of Uzima on Age Well at Home and Canada Service Corps programming, with overlapping diaspora-community focus.
• Black Youth Helpline: National helpline and support service for Black youth across Canada. Listed community partner with overlapping youth mental health and violence prevention programming serving similar demographics.
• End FGM/C Canada Network: Canadian non-partisan network working to end FGM/C in Canada and globally. Uzima is a member organization; the network provides Uzima with advocacy infrastructure and a coalition of peers working on the same FGM/C agenda.

Broad incumbents

• Canadian Red Cross: Large national humanitarian organization and co-funder of Uzima's Community Services Recovery Fund and Seniors' Grocery Program. Operates broadly across humanitarian and social services with overlapping community-based programs.
• United Way Greater Toronto: Major regional funder supporting Uzima's Community Services Recovery Fund project. Operates a broad portfolio of social services funding across the GTA, with overlapping beneficiary populations and grant-making posture.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/UWRGI
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@uzimawomeninternational
• Facebookfacebook.com/UWRGI
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/uzima-women-relief-group-international
• Instagraminstagram.com/uzimawomeninternational

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Uzima Women Relief Group International