They say when a woman crosses an ocean, she carries an entire world with her, her mother's warnings, her father's hopes, her schoolyard dreams, her fears, her courage, and the silent expectation that she will somehow "figure it out." But for many migrant women, the truth is harsher.
In a new country, countless women arrive with their husbands, leaving behind parents, siblings, and every emotional anchor. When domestic violence strikes, they often find no one beside them, no voice to hear them, no family to run to.
To change this painful reality and ensure no woman feels alone, a group of former Viqarunnisa students in Australia chose to step forward.
A small meetup of Viqarunnisa alumnae in Sydney in 2016 grew into a formal organization, and by March 2017, VAAUS was officially established. Today, it is an ACNC-registered and DGR-endorsed charity supporting communities across six Australian states and territories, donating more than $62,000 and championing women's empowerment.
This is the story of VAAUS—Viqarunnisa Alumni Australia—and the two remarkable women leading its transformation from an ordinary alumni organization to a movement that's rewriting Australia's charity landscape.
Among those who made that journey across oceans were two women whose paths would eventually intertwine to create something extraordinary.
Twenty-three years ago, Dr Mahbuba Khanom Mukta arrived in Australia as an international student, carrying more than just dreams, she carried the values instilled during her years at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
"One memory from my days at Viqarunnisa that still inspires me today is our beloved Jolly Achar," Mukta recalls warmly. "That tiny 50 paisa packet would make its way around the entire class. And from that humble Jolly Achar, I learned something lasting, the pure joy of sharing."
For Dr Suranjana Jennifer Rahman, who moved to Australia 18 years ago, the journey was similarly marked by both challenge and determination. "Initially, I felt isolated," she admits. "But I learned to embrace my Bangladeshi heritage, integrating it into my new life while building relationships."
When Dr Mukta and Dr Suranjana found each other again in Sydney after almost two decades apart, it felt less like meeting old school fellow and more like rediscovering a long-lost piece of home. In a city far from Dhaka, their Viqarunnisa memories became more than just nostalgia, they became the foundation of a mission.
That reconnection deepened their bond and strengthened their roles within VAAUS, helping turn school memories into a shared vision built on compassion, unity, and the enduring Viqarunnisa spirit.
"The inception of VAAUS came from a desire to create a supportive network," shares Dr Suranjana, now President of VAAUS. "We envisioned a platform where we could contribute to both our local and Bangladeshi communities."
But turning that vision into reality required more than just passion, it required structure, credibility, and unwavering commitment. Under the leadership of Dr Mukta and Dr Suranjana, VAAUS achieved a transformative milestone: registration with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) in 2020, followed by Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.
"One of my proudest moments as Ex-President was successfully registering VAAUS with the ACNC," Dr Mukta reflects with visible emotion. "That registration validated the purpose behind every event, every volunteer effort, and every dream we had for this organization."
The reality they faced wasn't easy. From helping a pregnant woman fleeing domestic violence during Covid-19 to navigating unfamiliar legal frameworks, VAAUS has become more than an alumni group, it's become a lifeline for women who had nowhere else to turn.
Since 2020, VAAUS has contributed over $42,000 to twelve organizations across Australia, supporting health, education, and dignity initiatives. They responded swiftly during the 2022 Queensland and NSW floods, partnered with Share the Dignity, hosted charity dinners for the Little Heroes Foundation, and raised funds for the Kids Research Institute. VAAUS has also supported domestic violence survivors through Project S, empowered women via Cultural Diversity Network Inc. (CDNI), Women's Health Victoria, and Sydney Bangla Women's Network, and launched the 2025 "Change the Story" initiative with CDNI and ALO Enlightened Women.
Beyond Australia, VAAUS has built bridges back to Bangladesh, partnering with organizations to improve education and infrastructure for underprivileged children, proving that home is never truly left behind.
On November 9, 2025, more than 1,100 guests including 386 Viqarunnisa alumni from across Australia and Bangladesh gathered at Lantana Venues, Sydney for the VAAUS Grand Reunion 2025, presented by title sponsor AIS Marine Investments.
The atmosphere? "Magical," says Dr Suranjana. "Unforgettable," adds Dr Mukta.
The day-long celebration featured cultural performances and electrifying live performances by Bangladeshi star singers Pritom Hasan and his brother Protic Hasan. Mr. Tri Vo, MP for Cabramatta, attended on behalf of Premier Chris Minns, lending official recognition to the occasion.
"For 8 years, VAAUS has supported communities across Australia, and tonight they're raising funds to protect women and children, an incredibly important cause," said Premier Chris Minns.
But beyond the celebration, the evening carried a deeper purpose, one that went straight to the heart of why VAAUS exists.
The true highlight of the evening was the launch of “CHANGE THE STORY”, VAAUS’s most ambitious initiative yet, aimed at ending domestic and gender-based violence through awareness, empathy, and community engagement. Funds raised during the reunion supported ALO Enlightened Women and Cultural Diversity Network Inc., both dedicated to empowering women from diverse backgrounds. By the end of the night, VAAUS proudly handed over $20,000 to these organizations.
"This initiative is very close to my heart," Dr Suranjana shares, her voice filled with conviction. "This community initiative engages men in advocating for respect, equality, and safer futures for women. It invites men to stand alongside women in reshaping narratives about safety and wellbeing."
For Dr Mukta, the impact was deeply personal, "It's about giving women the tools, opportunities, and confidence to shape their own futures, while also involving men as supporters, because real change happens when everyone is part of the solution."
"Mukta apu's passionate speech reminded us of our strength," says Dr Suranjana. "Seeing friends from Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide brought back childhood essence." Dr Mukta shares: "Reconnecting with my primary school friend after 30 years from Perth, and raising $20,000—it was overwhelming joy."
That connection extends beyond Sydney. VAAUS signed an MOU with Bangladesh's Aim Initiative Foundation, weaving their Australian present with Bangladeshi roots.
The 2026 vision: launching the "Reduce Domestic Violence" project across NSW and ACT, plus an Australia-wide mentorship program. "We'll focus on maternal health," Dr Suranjana explains. Dr Mukta emphasizes: "VAAUS actively involves men, lasting change requires everyone."
Their message to young women crossing oceans: "Embrace your uniqueness, carry courage, break barriers, stay connected to your roots while remaining humble."
From Bangladesh, Mazeda Begum, Acting Principal of Viqarunnisa Noon School & College, watches with pride: "It makes me so proud to see our daughters carrying forward the torch of service wherever they go. VAAUS has truly been a beacon of hope."
As VAAUS prepares to expand its programs in 2026, it continues to demonstrate that being a "Viqi" means carrying forward a legacy of empathy, service, and action that knows no borders. Through every act of kindness, these women who crossed oceans are rewriting Australia's charity landscape, and ensuring that no woman ever has to face her darkest moments alone.
Tahsin Reza, a communication consultant.
