The Greenacre resident who founded IWWA (Islamic Women’s Welfare Association) in Lakemba in 2000 along with several other women, says the need to help migrant women is still great and she estimates that her service has supported thousands from 40 to 45 nationalities in the last two decades.
Now 72, Abla says she is grateful for the honour but was surprised after also being named NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year in 2019 and a Westfield Local Hero where she won $10,000 for IWWA.
“I don’t do what I do for any recognition,” she said.
“What I do might be voluntary but it is very rewarding and enjoyable.
“I’ve seen such great results and many come back and tell me their beautiful stories.”
As far as juggling a big family with her passion to help migrant women, Abla says she is lucky that she doesn’t need much sleep and had the unwavering support of her husband Gamal who was happy to take over the domestic duties until his passing a few months ago.
“My motto is ‘Happy Wife, Happy Life’ and I love nothing more than when we can help resolve a woman’s issues and make her happy; even if we can’t help, we refer them to organisations that can,” she said.
