The gift of free clothing helped Naima restart her life after fleeing abuse. This is why it matters

Naima Ibrahim is among almost 280,000 people who experienced homelessness in Australia last year. Women and children fleeing family violence are among those most often affected. The gift of new clothing can change lives, helping some women get a job and secure safe housing.

Naima Ibrahim at Dress for Success in Sydney. Credit: SBS / Sandra Fulloon

In the showroom of charity Dress for Success Sydney, in the city's inner west, Naima Ibrahim is trying on new business outfits.

“You look amazing,” says stylist Sarah Cranitch, while passing a pink jacket to match Naima’s new print dress.

“I feel like an executive, like a CEO,” says Naima, 40.

Naima is restarting her life after experiencing homelessness last year, and is looking for part time work while raising her two boys, aged 19 and three.

She recently left a fulltime role in finance that she was also styled for last year, and said the new wardrobe made a big difference.

Naima Ibrahim being styled at Dress for Success. Credit: SBS / Sandra Fulloon

“When you have someone that styles you, literally they have a different perspective," she says.

"It did change my life. It gave me that confidence, it gave me that hope, that people are kind, you know?”

Empowerment is a focus of this nationwide charity, that helps 5,000 Australian women back into employment each year.

It is part of a global not-for-profit organisation that has grown to 143 cities in 23 countries since it started in 1997. The Dress for Success global website claims to have helped 1.3 million women worldwide work towards self-sufficiency.

Leisa Sadler Dress for Success Sydney CEO. Credit: SBS / Sandra Fulloon

“We provide a set of practical tools from styling through to career support,” says Sydney CEO Leisa Sadler.

“It is designed to enhance a woman's confidence and really help her to believe in herself, as she puts herself forward for that all important job interview or progressing in her career.”

Most of those helped are referred by an agency although some arrive as self-referrals.

And the service is not just for local women. Those fleeing offshore conflict are welcomed, too.

“We have helped many asylum seekers and refugees," says volunteer Heather Davie.

Dress for Success volunteer Heather Davie. Credit: SBS / Sandra Fulloon

“Over the last year, there have been quite a few Ukrainian women come in and many are highly educated.

“And they are trying to get work here, so the situation they find themselves in as refugees is quite difficult. So, it's important for them to look good and feel good.”

Naima also arrived in Australia as a refugee, aged just 19.

Although born in Somalia she grew up in Mombasa, a city in south eastern Kenya.

She now rents a three bedroom ‘affordable housing’ apartment in inner Sydney with her sons, but says memories of her own childhood challenges remain vivid.

“In Kenya, my grandmother used to work so hard even selling street food just to pay for school fees,” she says.

“And she used to patch our clothes when they became worn. The person I am today is because of my grandmother, and her kindness.”

Over the years, Naima has struggled to find secure housing in Sydney, and first experienced homelessness as a young woman.

“I remember sleeping on the street and a neighbour told me to go to the police, because I had no idea where to go. That's when they took me to Surrey Hills, to a shelter for young women.”

Naima Ibrahim (centre) with her sons Jermal (left) and Ousmane (right) Credit: SBS/ Sandra Fulloon

The mother of two boys, Jermal aged 19 and Ousmane, three, again lived in a women’s shelter last year, after leaving an abusive situation.

“That was the lowest, lowest point of my life. And I needed more support than I thought.

“Don't get me wrong, a refuge is a peaceful place. It's just not ideal for a family.”

Ms Ibrahim was among more than quarter-of-a-million people who experienced homelessness in Australia last year, and advocates say the situation is worsening.

Kate Colvin, Homelessness Australia CEO. Credit: SBS / Sandra Fulloon

“We have a homelessness crisis in Australia. In the past year we had 278,000 people coming to homeless services,” says Kate Colvin, CEO of Homelessness Australia.

“We are expecting that to increase with rents rising, pushing more people into homelessness. And already, 60 per cent are women and children, including many fleeing family violence.”

Losing a home, or even the threat of it, can have impacts too, according to mental health service Lifeline.

“A lot of people are using our website to search for help and support,” says Dr Anna Brooks, chief researcher at Lifeline Australia.

Accessories at Dress for Success. Credit: SBS / Sandra Fulloon

“In January, Lifeline had over 26,000 searches, which is the highest on record.

"We know that people are very distressed around their financial circumstances at the moment.”

Starting over with living costs soaring isn’t easy. But Leisa Sadler says new clothes, a handbag and shoes can make a difference to someone looking for work.

“The clothes are all in very good condition, and of a style you would feel proud to wear to an interview or into a workplace situation."

Dress for Success accepts clothing at various city showrooms, and is actively raising funds during March to meet an expected nationwide rise in demand.

As millions of Australians struggle to pay their bills Ms Ibrahim urges people to reach out and says help is available.

“Dress for Success believes in women and helps to build confidence in women,” she says.

“And once you have that, it's a little bit, but it can go a long way.”