Inuvik (Feb 28/05) - Immigrant women in Inuvik need no longer feel isolated. A new program plans to get them out of the house and learning about Canadian society.

Since early January, Muslim women in the Mackenzie Delta community have met several times weekly to learn about life and customs in Canada, social skills and personal advancement.

"It helps you to learn about the country," said Tanal Ahmed, a Sudanese mother of four who moved to Inuvik seven months ago. "You feel you are a part of this culture."

The group meets Tuesdays for English and computer training at Aurora College while Thursday evenings are spent in the Fire Hall learning first aid and CPR.

Mondays are reserved for fun and physical activity.

"Instead of staying home in the cold weather, you get in touch with people," said Rabia El-Haddad, the group's organizer.

El-Haddad decided to start the group after she moved to Inuvik from Morocco six months ago and realized there was no central place for Muslim women to meet.

This can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion, said El-Haddad, who completed her thesis on women's literacy at the Mohamed 5 University in Morocco.

"This is my domain. I like to help women."

Cultural practices of a faith that often sees women in the background and staying home with their families can also play a part in the isolation.

For those who come from conservative backgrounds, it is a big change, El-Haddad said.

"But the husbands are happy because their wives are improving themselves," she said. "They just needed hands to get them out."

Officially affiliated with the Women's Voices in Leadership program, administered by the Status of Women Council of the NWT, the group is only the second such order in the territory specifically geared for immigrant women.

"The goal is really to support the immigrant women in having their voice heard," said Marsha Argue, director of projects and research for the council.

Funding for outings and activities is also available through the council, although to date the activities offered for the women in Inuvik have come without charge.

"All the people here (in Inuvik) are very helpful and that's what makes this work."