Brief overview of WODIDEF

Women for Dignity and Development Foundation, WODIDEF in acronym, was created in 2013 by an array of people concerned with the deterioration of social, physical, economic, health and mental situation of vulnerable women and children including refugee women and children, indigenous women, single women, elderly women, immigrant women, international student women, asylum seeker women, women living with a disability as well as visible minority women.

VISION & MISSION

We envisage a world where vulnerable women and children are free from all kinds of violence, a world in which vulnerable women and children control their own lives, a world that values dignity, equity, responsibility, transparency, solidarity with the marginalized, a world in which every vulnerable child develops to their full potential.
WODIDEF's mission is to improve the living conditions of vulnerable women and children and the well-being of the community by using international human rights and humanitarian standards to defend the rights of vulnerable women and children and
protect them from violations of their rights through research, advocacy, documentation, education, training and entrepreneurship.

OBJECTIVES

(A) To improve the economic, health and social status of vulnerable women;
(B) To adopt effective strategies necessary for the promotion and protection of vulnerable women's and children's rights and for effective advocacy for vulnerable women's and children's rights at the local, national and international levels;
(C) Strengthen the professional capacities of vulnerable women's groups and vulnerable youth associations through training, research, technical skills development and exchange programmes.
(D) Establish and maintain an emergency action plan to respond rapidly to serious human rights violations, in particular the rights of vulnerable women and children.
(E) Provide material and financial support for any initiative aimed at the autonomy of vulnerable women and the integral development of vulnerable children.
(F) Contribute to the peaceful settlement of conflicts at the local, national and regional levels.

PROGRAMS

WODIDEF’s programs are committed to fighting gender inequality and improving the overall living conditions of vulnerable women, young women, and children. Our work focuses on creating meaningful and sustainable opportunities that empower them to make informed choices about their lives particularly in areas such as reproductive health, education, economic empowerment, employment, and entrepreneurship. By addressing the root causes of marginalization and providing access to essential resources and support, WODIDEF seeks to restore dignity, promote resilience, and ensure equal participation of women and girls in all aspects of social and economic life.

What we stand for

Dignity and Rights for All

We stand for the protection and promotion of the rights of refugee and immigrant women and children.
Using international human rights standards, we document violations, advocate for justice, and educate communities to build a culture of respect and accountability. Our research and publications strengthen our voice and ensure that no abuse goes unnoticed.

Empowerment Through Action

We empower vulnerable women and children to thrive socially and economically.
Through training, entrepreneurship, and skills development, we help women become leaders in their communities. We support initiatives that foster self-reliance, strengthen youth associations, and build professional capacities for long-term impact.

Resilience and Response

We are committed to rapid response and sustainable peace.
We maintain emergency plans to address serious human rights violations and offer material and financial support to victims. By promoting conflict resolution at all levels, we help restore dignity, safety, and hope in times of crisis.

About WODIDEF

Women for Dignity and Development Foundation, WODIDEF in acronym, was created by people concerned with the deterioration of social, physical, health and mental situation of women and girls including refugee and immigrant as well as visible minority women and children in Canada.

At WODIDEF, we are proud to be led by a passionate and diverse team of women and men who believe in dignity, justice, and equal opportunity for all. Our team brings together expertise in human rights advocacy, community development, research, psychosocial support, and economic empowerment

Vanessa Mutobola

Executive Director

Vanessa Mutobola is a passionate advocate for immigrant and refugee women’s rights, with over a decade of experience in grassroots organizing, trauma-informed care, and community empowerment. As the founder and Executive Director of WODIDEF, she leads initiatives supporting survivors of gender-based violence through culturally sensitive and bilingual services. Vanessa's leadership is grounded in lived experience, strategic collaboration, and a vision of dignity, justice, and healing for all women.

Shawna Novak

Board Member

Dr. Shawna Novak is a clinician and global health advocate pursuing her Master of Medical Sciences at Harvard. She has worked on epidemic response, health equity, and peacebuilding through organizations like CISEPO and Save a Child’s Heart. Shawna brings a global, person-centered perspective to WODIDEF, informed by her field research and academic leadership.

Aaron Kamondo

Board Member

Aaron Kamondo is a lawyer and social justice advocate with deep experience in public policy, cultural inclusion, and community empowerment. Currently pursuing his Master of Law, Aaron has led initiatives for marginalized groups, with a focus on justice and sustainable solutions. At WODIDEF, he contributes legal insight and strategic vision to advance equity and dignity.

Joan MacDonald

Board Member

Joan MacDonald is a human rights advocate with extensive experience in education, counseling, and refugee support. She has worked with the Refugee Law Project in Uganda and led domestic violence prevention programs in Canada. Joan brings a compassionate and trauma-informed lens to WODIDEF’s work.

Marie Nicole Lwanzo

Board Member

Marie Nicole Lwanzo is an IT Manager specializing in document management systems. Based in Uganda, she leads digital transformation efforts at MFI Document Solutions. At WODIDEF, she supports the integration of innovative technology to enhance advocacy and operational efficiency.

Alexander MacDonald

Board Member

Alexander MacDonald is a professional land surveyor with a degree in Geodesy & Geomatics from UNB. His work focuses on property assessment and land management in Prince Edward Island. He brings valuable technical expertise to WODIDEF, supporting women’s access to land and development resources.

Blog

Welcome to our blog, a space where we share stories from the field, insights on women’s rights, updates on our programs, and reflections on the challenges and victories in our fight for dignity and development. Stay informed, inspired, and engaged with WODIDEF’s mission.

Get in Touch

If you would like to find ways to get involved and support our work, please send us a email, phone us directly, or use this handy contact form. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

Find us at the office

13 Parkplace Lane, Moncton, E1A 9N1, New Brunswick, Canada

Give us a ring

+1 (506) 897-0182

Contact Us

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