The Zahra Foundation
The Zahra Foundation’s mission is to create an Australia where all women are economically empowered and safe.
The Zahra Foundation are a South Australian based charity supporting women and children affected by domestic and family violence.
The Foundation specifically addresses the financial abuse and disadvantage women experience as a result of domestic violence by providing tailored programs and services that promote the economic empowerment of women, recognising financial abuse and disadvantage as one of the biggest barriers to women leaving and remaining free of abusive relationships.
If you would like to find out more about The Zahra Foundation or how you can help, please visit zahrafoundation.org.au.
Zahra’s Story
The 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.
Zahra migrated to Australia with her husband and children in 1997, leaving behind her extended family and friends for the hope of a better life. The restrictions of being in an abusive and controlled marriage limited Zahra from living the full life that she had hoped for. Despite all this, Zahra embraced the opportunities in Australia.
In 2009, Zahra took the brave steps of leaving the family home with her children, receiving assistance from the Central Domestic Violence Services. Zahra and her children stayed in hiding to keep themselves safe from her abusive husband.
On 21 March 2010, Zahra attended the Persian New Year function at the Adelaide Convention Centre, to celebrate this cultural event and her 44th birthday. This celebration was cut short when her husband took her life in front of 300 witnesses.
Her legacy lives on through the commitment of her children and the establishment of the The Zahra Foundation, which was officially launched on 5 September 2015.
Why The Zahra Foundation?
We’re often asked how we choose organisations to sponsor, and the truth is, it’s never an easy process. With a vast range of not-for-profit groups out there doing such incredible work, it’s always difficult to narrow it down to just one.
The only exception to this rule has been The Zahra Foundation. We knew immediately after hearing Zahra’s story that we wanted to support this amazing organisation.
Over the years of supporting the charity, Credit Union SA has also assisted their ‘Pathways to Empowerment’ program, which helps those who have been abused rebuild their lives after fleeing their homes. Credit Union SA staff have donated over 400 handbags in the last four years to the program’s graduates filled with special gifts, including personal items, makeup, and perfume.
Staff have also volunteered with Christmas gift wrapping at Myer during the festive season, with all proceeds donated to the Pathways program, further demonstrating Credit Union SA’s strong connection and commitment to supporting The Zahra Foundation and to serving the South Australian community.
Credit Union SA was the major sponsor for this year’s Ninth annual Women on the Run event
Women on the Run returned in March 2024 for its ninth year, raising over $33,000 in support of domestic violence recovery. All South Australians are welcome to attend the annual event, and walk or run the 4km-return stretch of beach between Grange and Henley jetties in support of The Zahra Foundation and women recovering from domestic and family violence.