Our Purpose
Empowering women’s financial independence
through
Education Community Recovery
Zahra Foundation was established in 2015 following the tragic murder of Zahra Abrahimzadeh, who was killed by her former husband in 2010 after enduring 20 years of domestic violence.
“The foundation aims to assist women who have been threatened and abused in the hands of their partners. And mothers that want to save their children from violent homes. The goal of the foundation is to empower these women to stand on their own feet. This foundation will also be a tribute to women who sadly lost their lives in search for hope of a better life for themselves and their children.”
Atena Abrahimzadeh
We are a South Australian based charity supporting women and children affected by domestic and family violence.
We specifically address the financial abuse and disadvantage women experience as a result of domestic violence, providing specifically tailored programs and services that promote the economic empowerment of women.
The Zahra Foundation logo features a distinctive Lotus flower.
Across many cultures, the Lotus is symbolic of purity and beauty. This beautiful flower grows and emerges from dark, muddy waters. The red lotus in particular is representative of love and compassion, and is often depicted fully open, symbolising the ‘ideal state of heart’.
The flower has been illustrated with reference to traditional Persian artwork – reflecting Zahra’s cultural background. Deep pinks and reds have been chosen to represent Zahra’s strength, beauty and presence, while purple is symbolic of women suffrage.
Arman Abrahimzadeh speaks about the Foundation’s purpose
Hear from clients of Zahra Foundation Australia
Australia developed a National Plan in 2011 to reduce violence against women and their children and in 2015 there was a concerted national effort and focus to reduce domestic and family violence. To achieve success in reducing the extent, the degree and effects of such violence, requires all of us to be involved – governments, business, community organisations, service providers, education, sports and arts bodies and the media – and men and women individually and collectively.
The Zahra Foundation offers us all another way of engaging in this urgent and important work. As a woman living in South Australia, an advocate for women’s rights and gender equality, and as Chair of Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS), I give the Foundation my strong support.”
Emeritus Professor Anne R Edwards