When Women Rise, Families Thrive.
Maama Watali Origin Story
Maama Watali, meaning "in the absence of a mother," is an Ottawa-based, Black-led nonprofit founded by Susan Namulindwa. Although officially incorporated in 2012, its roots go back many years, shaped by Susan's lived experience of loss, resilience and community care.
The organisation was inspired by the passing of her mother, Ms. Manjeri Nakitende, who lived in Luweero, Uganda, a region deeply affected by the Luweero War and the HIV/AIDS pandemic where thousands of children were left orphaned. As an adult orphan, Susan embraced these children with "Maama Watali" as their anchor, a symbol of protection, dignity and belonging.
In Ottawa, Susan drew from this same legacy. She gathered a circle of African, Black and Caribbean women to support one another through grief, migration and gender-based violence. What started as shared prayers and home visits evolved into a grassroots network providing safety, mentorship and a voice for those often unheard.
Over the years, these circles grew into a movement. Guided by African values of kinship, dignity and collective healing, Maama Watali became a trusted bridge between mainstream systems and the lived realities of racialised families. From after-school programmes to women's entrepreneurship, youth mentorship and mental-wellness circles, our initiatives have empowered hundreds of women, youth and children to rebuild their confidence and purpose.
Today, Maama Watali is a registered nonprofit organisation dedicated to building inclusive, faith-informed ecosystems where women, youth and children can heal, learn and lead. Our story is one of resilience transformed into action, a reminder that when women rise, families thrive and communities flourish.
Our Vision
A Canada where Black women and their families live and thrive-safe, whole, and empowered to shape their future with dignity and strength
Our Mission
To transform the lives of Black women and their families through culturally and trauma-informed support enabling them to heal, rebuild, and thrive after gender-based violence and personal loss
Our Impact at a Glance
Over 10,000 lives touched — and we're just getting started.
1,000+
Black and immigrant women supported to launch and grow sustainable businesses
2,500+
Youth trained in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and leadership pathways
600+
Children supported through homework clubs and play-based early learning
50+
Collaborations across education, banking, and government advancing inclusion
Our Values
RESPECT
We honour each other by listening fully, speaking with care and offering clear, kind feedback that recognises every person's effort and contribution.
TRUST
We keep our word, communicate honestly and kindly, and show up for one another so people know they can rely on us and feel safe to be themselves.
EMPATHY
We seek to understand before we respond, listening without judgement so that others feel seen, heard and supported in what they are going through.
OPENNESS TO LEARNING
We are curious and humble, willing to say "I don't know," give and receive feedback, and grow together by teaching and learning from one another.
INTEGRITY
We do what is right even when no one is watching, taking responsibility for our actions and making decisions that reflect our values and respect for others.
When women rise, families thrive and communities flourish.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Join us in building a future where every woman, youth, and child can flourish with dignity.
Get Engaged With Us
BECOME A SPONSOR
When women are safe and economically secure, families stabilise and communities thrive.
By supporting Maama Watali, you invest in high-impact programs that help Black and racialised women recover from gender-based violence, achieve economic independence, and rebuild stable futures for their families. Your support enables proven, culturally responsive programs to scale, strengthens early learning and youth pathways, and contributes to measurable outcomes in safety, income, and community participation. Sponsorship with Maama Watali is an investment in prevention, resilience, and long-term social and economic wellbeing.
BECOME A PARTNER
Lasting change happens when communities and institutions build solutions together.
We partner with governments, foundations, financial institutions, schools, and community organisations to integrate effective, evidence-informed approaches into existing systems. Partnering with Maama Watali means co-designing solutions that are rooted in lived experience, supported by data, and aligned with shared goals around equity, safety, and inclusion. Together, we strengthen service delivery, expand reach, and embed sustainable models that work for women, youth, and families.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Healing becomes transformation when people come together with purpose.
By supporting Maama Watali, you invest in high-impact programs that help Black and racialised women recover from gender-based violence, achieve economic independence, and rebuild stable futures for their families. Your support enables proven, culturally responsive programs to scale, strengthens early learning and youth pathways, and contributes to measurable outcomes in safety, income, and community participation. Sponsorship with Maama Watali is an investment in prevention, resilience, and long-term social and economic wellbeing.