International Human Rights Day 2025 On 10th December each year, we observe International Human Rights Day, marking the date the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948. Human rights can sometimes feel like an abstract, distant idea; something reserved for world leaders and landmark moments, but most of us experience them in far … Continue reading The Threads That Hold Us Together
Welcome Merchant had the privilege of speaking to the founder of One of a Kind Skin, Rawan. A skincare business that started in 2020, derived from all-natural and sustainably sourced ingredients, with a message to treat yourself with kindness. A one-woman business championing natural Australian ingredients, with proceeds going to much-needed charities. Rawan was born … Continue reading Skincare That Gives Back | One of a Kind Skin
Empowering Women and Strengthening Communities Cafe Stepping Stone based in Canberra, and founded by Vanessa & Hannah, is more than just a cafe serving delicious vegetarian food and coffee. It is a social enterprise driving the initiative to provide employment and focused training for new migrant and refugee women struggling to find work. Moving to … Continue reading Empowering Women and Strengthening Communities
On 15 August 2021, the Taliban seized control of Kabul, marking their return to political power and a devastating turning point for the people of Afghanistan. Nearly four years later, the consequences remain profound, within the country and across the world. As of mid-2025, Afghanistan continues to face a humanitarian crisis: more than half the … Continue reading Four Years Under Taliban Rule: What Has Changed for Afghanistan?
Hassanatu Bah, the founder of Natu Natural’s, was born in Guinea, West Africa. In 2017, she migrated to Australia, reuniting with her mother, who had fled her country due to the instability of civil war. In Australia, she completed high school as well as her HSC while eagerly pursuing her dreams. In 2020, she began … Continue reading Better Hair Days with Natu Natural’s
Refugee Week in Australia, which ran last month from 15th to 21st June 2025, is a time to celebrate people from refugee backgrounds. This year’s theme, ‘Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community’, reminds us that ordinary acts of kindness can have extraordinary ripple effects. But the work of inclusion doesn’t begin or end with this week. … Continue reading Why Supporting Refugee-Owned Businesses is Year Round Activism
Refugee Week’s theme, “Finding Freedom - Diversity in Community,” feels tailor-made for Afghan-Australian designer and advocate Anjilla Seddeqi, a woman whose story weaves together strength, dignity and creativity in every thread. Anjilla is a lawyer-turned-fashion designer whose journey from refugee child to acclaimed advocate is deeply rooted in her Afghan heritage and a lifelong sense … Continue reading Community, Craft and Courage: Afghan-Australian Designer and Advocate, Anjilla Seddeqi on the Power of Representation
As we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend in Australia, we’re reflecting not only on the love and strength of mothers and mother figures everywhere, but the generational stories, recipes, and resilience they’ve passed down. This piece is based on questions prepared by fellow blog writer, Nrutya Sangdhore. Arifur Rahman, via Unsplash We spoke with two … Continue reading ‘A Mother to All’: honouring the women who shaped us, this Mother’s Day
As we mark our fifth birthday at Welcome Merchant, it is the perfect time to reflect on our journey, celebrate our successes, and envision the future of our refugee advocacy. From our humble beginnings as an Instagram page run solely by founder, Marjorie Tenchavez, Welcome Merchant has since blossomed into an award-winning social enterprise, bridging … Continue reading It’s Our Birthday! Celebrating Five Years of Welcome Merchant
The countdown to Christmas is on and if you’re still searching for meaningful gifts, Welcome Merchant has you covered. Our curated gift guides are filled with options that will not only been cherished by your friends and family, but also support refugees and people seeking asylum. With something for everyone, from the avid readers to … Continue reading Meaningful Gifts That Give Back This Christmas
