Lacombe resident Tabitha Phiri could certainly be described as a champion.
For 27 years, she has worked at the Red Deer-based Central Alberta Immigrant Women's Association (CAIWA), helping countless women new to Canada find their way out of the horrors of domestic violence.
For her dedication to such a worthy cause, Phiri was honoured with the Newcomer Champion Award, handed down at the Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards held in Calgary on Oct. 3.
"We have immigrants who come here, and they have no understanding of what is considered domestic violence in Canada," she said.
"Some of them don't understand that what their husbands are doing is domestic violence. And so when they come here, they are in a very difficult situation because, number one, they don't understand the justice system, and they don't understand their rights.
"They sometimes don't understand what they are going through is violence."
Sadly, that violence can also intensify when immigrants arrive in Canada because of the hardships families can face. These issues can run the gamut from language barriers to challenges with landing a decent job.
Phiri said much of that frustration can be dumped on a woman in a given relationship.
"So what we do in my program, is we educate. We do one-on-one sessions where they can come and talk to me. It isn't easy, because sometimes they will hide information."
But with Phiri's experience as a certified counsellor, she can typically detect what the needs are and help her clients gradually emerge from desperate situations.
Through many conversations, the women come to realize that there are services available, too.
"We also talk about what it might look like if they have to leave their relationship," she added. "We can make sure their lives become better in Canada."
It's not easy, considering some of these marriages are arranged, or involve the payment of large dowries. Women can be seen more as possessions than people.
"You have to understand their backgrounds. What are the challenges? What are they finding difficult? When people are in situations like this, they are victims. It can be hard to leave, what with the language barrier and (finding) employment," she said.
Phiri immigrated to Canada in 1997 with her two young sons due to the instability in her native Zimbabwe. They settled in Lacombe so Phiri could study behavioural science at Burman University. She was later doing a practicum at Family Services of Central Alberta in Red Deer when she learned of a position with CAIWA.
Meanwhile, there is hope for many.
Phiri points to those women who grow in confidence, and find the wherewithal to move on. Their partners can also come to the realization that if they beat their wives, they could be reported on and convicted. Sometimes, this can improve an abuser's behaviour.
She also works with men who are affected by domestic violence themselves. Often, people assume men are rarely if ever affected by it, but that isn't the case. "I've seen quite a lot of men who have been involved in abusive relationships," she said, adding CAIWA does provide programming for men, too.
Meanwhile, as for women who strike out on their own, Phiri said the association can help them to find employment and to become established.
It's always a joy to see clients move forward with boldness and find their way to a happy and fulfilling life.
"We have helped many. Sometimes, you see them really flourish. We have some who are now business owners and employers! It makes me so happy."
It also takes a profound strength to do what she does day in and day out. She recalls in the earlier days of her career how she would cry after hearing such painful stories time and again - particularly when children were involved. Over the years, she has learned to leave her work 'at work' as best she can.
"I leave it here, and I know that eventually, they (the clients) are going to get out of these situations. They will make it. What inspires me are the results."
It's also heartening to see former clients helping their own circle of friends. "People in the community are helping each other."
Halima Ali, CAIWA executive director, said Phiri's passion for her work is empowered further by her sense of empathy for the women she works with.
"Another thing I value about Tabitha is the approach she has with clients - not only showing compassion, but also showing she understands them - even if they speak a different language. She shows understanding."
Ali added that Phiri always tries to connect clients to other local agencies as well, when specific needs arise that can be aptly met elsewhere.
"She puts herself in their shoes. She sees what the struggle is they are having, and she always tries to find out how she can help with the problems they are having. We are very grateful to have somebody like her."
