BAWSO is a charity that supports black, minority & ethnic (BME) women and children who are suffering from domestic abuse in Wales

Mutale spearheaded the setting-up of BAWSO ten years ago. Under her leadership the charity has grown from two staff supporting 12 women to 50 staff, with 70 volunteers, helping 300 at-risk women and children at any one time. The key to Mutale’s success is her experience and tenacity. She is able to gain the trust of BME women who are vulnerable and fearful for the safety of their children and themselves. Before BAWSO the plight of BME women suffering domestic abuse was unrecognised and unaddressed. She set about putting this right with great vigour by identifying areas of need and convincing and badgering those holding the purse strings to increase funding. She also encouraged BME to work together. As a result she has built an efficient charity and crafted the delivery of an effective service. She has often struggled but her strength of character and perseverance has allowed her to succeed in the face of great challenges. Mutale has worked with other organisations and has played a part in influencing and advancing their policies that will help many women suffering at the hands of abuse across Europe and Africa. One of Mutale’s biggest achievements has been to develop and sustain a charity which delivers services to one of the most marginalized members of our communities. She has nurtured staff and involves people in the development of BAWSO. Hundreds of BME women and their children owe their security, mental health and - in some cases - their lives to BAWSO. Mutale is a resilient, organised leader who is able to influence at all levels and inspires and empowers her staff.