Creating a More Inclusive Future: CWIC’s Commitment to Neurodiversity This Chinese New Year

With the arrival of the Chinese Year of the Dragon, Chinese Women in the City (CWIC) reflects on the past year with profound gratitude for the community that has stood by us—our speakers, supporters, volunteers, and all those who share our vision. Our journey towards fostering an inclusive society has been enriched by your unwavering support and dedication.

?

In the spirit of renewal and giving back, CWIC is thrilled to announce our partnerships with two remarkable organizations in our thank you campaign. It is within our social responsibility to buy from social enterprise Harry Specters and fundraise for the Chinese Autism Community (CACIC), both of which are at the forefront of empowering neurodivergent individuals.

Harry Specters: A Taste of Empowerment

Harry Specters has turned its award-winning chocolates into more than just a delicacy; it’s a means of empowerment for young autistic individuals. By providing employment, training, and a sense of belonging, Harry Specters showcases how businesses can play a critical role in societal change. Their efforts resonate with our values, and we are proud to support their transformative work.

Chinese?Autism?Community?(CACIC)?:?Challenging?Stigmas,?Embracing?Diversity

CACIC is a non-profit organisation providing support for Chinese autistic children and their families in the UK. CACIC's founder Hazel Lim draws from her experiences battling discrimination and a lack of community support while helping her autistic son. CACIC endeavours to challenge misinformed perspectives and cultural stigma, which are uniquely prevalent within the Chinese community.

Understanding Cultural Context

Culture plays a pivotal role in influencing behavior related to autism. In the Chinese community, autism is often perceived negatively, reflected in the term 'GU DU ZHENG,' meaning the illness of loneliness. Families of children with suspected autism frequently fear discrimination, leading them to avoid diagnosis and live in isolation. It is crucial to raise awareness and change perspectives about autism in the Chinese community, transforming stigma into strength.

We are not surprised that our chocolate gifts from Harry Specters have been highly praised for their taste and the inspiring mission behind the gifts. CWIC also takes immense pride in fostering collaboration between Corporate's ESEA initiative with great charities in the UK Chinese Community. Through these efforts, we aim to contribute positively to the lives of those with autism and their families, envision a society where inclusive neurodiversity children and young people can achieve their full potential. We aspire to create a society where conversations about autism and neurodivergence are open, free from shame or fear of recrimination.

If changing perspectives about autism and helping British Chinese neurodivergent individuals resonate with you, please join CWIC in a fundraising program?(please click the link for just giving) which generously matched by the PwC Foundation. Through this initiative, we aim to empower those with autism and their families, and ultimately create a more inclusive society. Every little help! Your generous donation is deeply appreciated!