The Story of AIWA
A group of women who made a home in a new world raised and educated children and watched these children get married and build their own families. Throughout all this, “the founding board members Daksha Pandit, Bharti Bhavsar, Niru Bajaria, Jyoti Jadia, and Gowri Patel” noted their lessons. They were determined by the importance of sharing them with more women as they came to this country and their daughters.
Over the years, they have seen the impact of poor health and lack of understanding of prevention affect their spouses and themselves. They saw women in situations of financial distress and not knowing what to do. These women wanted to create a safe haven where other women like themselves could proactively learn, share and collaborate.
I am a second-generation Asian Indian woman with the opportunity and advantage of everything this country offers. But the question is: do I know what to do? Do I know the importance of taking care of myself and educating myself on life’s challenges? Just because I was raised in America and educated in America doesn’t necessarily mean I know how to care for myself and my family.
AIWA has opened my eyes to the power of women. I have seen firsthand how teamwork, common goals, and hard work can raise awareness. Over the last few years, I have seen at least one women leave an AIWA event, having learned something significant to them!
I have a daughter growing up in a completely different world than I did. She will face challenges, and I look to AIWA to help me raise her to be a strong Asian Indian Woman in a world where women have many opportunities. I also look to AIWA to remind me of my culture and allow me to share it with my children.
About Us
We are a grassroots organization seeking to elevate the issues that affect South Asian women in Michigan to encourage empowerment and positive change. We engage with our community on health, financial and retirement planning, mental health, and family well-being. Since its inception in January 2000, AIWA has provided leadership, education, and resources to community members and supported events and activities in collaboration with our many excellent partners.
The Asian Indian Women’s Association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Our Vision
Increase the knowledge of issues related to women.
Sponsor programs that provide a forum for dialogue and discussion on issues of interest to Indian women in the fields of education, social welfare, culture, and business.
Focus on what we can do to strengthen our community, including our youth, children, friends, neighbors, and ourselves.
Improve the visibility of Indian women while promoting their equal role in the community.
Our Mission
The Asian Indian Women’s Association provides a forum for dialogue and discussion on issues in the field of education, social welfare, and culture.