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This story was documented and produced with financial support from UNHCR under the “Safe from the Start Impactful GBV Interventions Pilots in Operations” project, implemented by SOFERES in Dzaleka Camp. For years, Esther, a 35-year-old Rwandan refugee, endured intimate partner violence in silence. What started as verbal and emotional abuse early in her marriage escalated into physical violence, leaving her deeply scarred—both physically and emotionally. Each time she considered speaking out, fear held her back. She worried about being judged by her community, about bringing shame upon her family, and, most of all, about what would happen to her children if she left. “I thought it was my duty to suffer in silence,” Esther recalls. “I believed no one would understand, and I feared being blamed for what was happening to me.” The years passed, and the abuse continued. But when Esther’s husband threatened her life in a violent attack, she realized she could not endure it any longer. A trusted friend, who had attended a SOFERES awareness session on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), encouraged her to seek help. Finding the Strength to Escape With courage, Esther reported the violence to SOFERES, Plan International Malawi, and Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS). These organizations acted swiftly to protect and support her. Through these programs, she learned about financial literacy, income-generating skills, and savings management—all essential tools for rebuilding her life. “I learned that I could stand on my own two feet,” she says. “The training helped me regain my confidence. I finally saw a way out of the darkness.” Becoming a Leader for Women’s Empowerment With time, Esther’s life transformed. No longer trapped in fear, she started her own small business selling handmade crafts and farm produce. She gained not only financial stability but also a newfound sense of independence. Determined to help others, she became a leader in a local women’s savings group, where she teaches other refugee women how to manage their finances, save for the future, and become self-sufficient. Many of these women are also survivors of GBV, and through Esther’s guidance, they find hope and strength to rebuild their lives. “I no longer live in fear,” Esther declares proudly. “By sharing my story, I help others see that freedom is possible.” Breaking the Cycle of Silence and Fear Esther’s journey from a survivor of violence to a champion for women’s empowerment is a testament to the power of support, education, and economic independence. Her work is not just about financial literacy—it’s about breaking the silence surrounding GBV in refugee communities. Through her advocacy, she is challenging deep-rooted beliefs that keep women trapped in abusive relationships. She encourages them to speak up, seek help, and reclaim their rights. “No woman should have to live in fear,” Esther says. “We deserve to be safe. We deserve to be heard. And we deserve to build a future free from violence.” Her story is proof that when survivors are empowered, they become the strongest voices for change—leading others out of the darkness and into a future filled with hope.

This story was documented and produced with the financial support of UNHCR under the “Safe from the Start impactful GBV interventions pilots in operations” project, implemented by SOFERES in Dzaleka Camp. At just 19 years old, Grace’s world was shattered when she became a survivor of sexual violence at the hands of a trusted family friend in Dzaleka Refugee Camp. The assault left her emotionally paralyzed, burdened by overwhelming feelings of shame, fear, and betrayal. For months, she withdrew from those around her, unable to share her pain. The stigma associated with sexual violence in her community made her feel like she had nowhere to turn. Breaking the Silence & Seeking Support Grace’s path to healing began when she was introduced to the trauma counseling program provided by Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). At first, she was hesitant—unsure whether opening up about her pain would make any difference. However, the compassionate counselors and safe environment gradually allowed her to express her emotions and begin processing the trauma. The therapy sessions helped her understand that what happened to her was not her fault, and she started to regain a sense of self-worth and control over her life. Alongside counseling, SOFERES connected Grace to a support group for survivors of sexual violence. In this space, she found comfort in the stories of other women who had experienced similar struggles. She realized she was not alone, and through shared experiences, she gained strength and hope. The support group empowered her, providing her with a sense of belonging and a renewed belief in herself. Transforming Pain into Purpose Determined to ensure that no other girl suffers in silence as she once did, Grace made the courageous decision to become a peer educator. She now leads discussions with young girls in Dzaleka Camp, educating them about their rights, the importance of speaking out against gender-based violence (GBV), and the services available for survivors. She works tirelessly to break the stigma surrounding GBV and encourages young girls to seek help when needed. Her message is one of resilience and empowerment:🗣️ “Survivors are not broken. We are strong, and together, we can fight against GBV. Every girl deserves to feel safe, to be heard, and to live without fear.” A Beacon of Hope Grace’s transformation from a survivor to an advocate is a testament to the power of healing, community, and support. Through her courage, she has not only reclaimed her own life but is also inspiring and equipping others to do the same. Her voice is now a force for change, challenging harmful norms and pushing for a future where every girl is free from violence.

For refugee women in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi, economic independence is a pathway to dignity, self-reliance, and resilience. Yet, limited access to skills training, capital, and business opportunities has kept many women trapped in cycles of poverty and dependency. To address this challenge, SOFERES, with financial support from Women First International Fund, launched the Women’s Livelihood and Economic Empowerment Program (2021 – Present) to equip refugee women with tailoring, business management, and financial literacy skills—empowering them to achieve long-term financial independence. Transforming Lives Through Skills & Economic Opportunities The program goes beyond training—it builds sustainable livelihoods, fosters women-led cooperatives, and strengthens SOFERES’ institutional capacity to continue supporting refugee women. By providing women with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to succeed, the initiative is breaking economic barriers and transforming communities in Dzaleka. Key Achievements & Impact ✅ 180+ Women Trained in Tailoring & Entrepreneurship Since the program’s launch, over 180 refugee women have gained valuable skills in tailoring, business management, and financial literacy. Many of them have started their own businesses, creating a sustainable source of income for themselves and their families. ✨ “Before joining SOFERES, I struggled to provide for my children. Now, I have my own tailoring business and can afford school fees and daily necessities,” says Anita, a program graduates and mother of six. ✅ Startup Kits Provided to Launch Businesses To ensure program graduates can put their skills into action, SOFERES has distributed startup kits that include sewing machines, fabric, and capital to help them start small tailoring businesses. This eliminates the financial barriers that often prevent women from turning their skills into livelihoods. ✨ “The sewing machine I received changed my life. I now make clothes and earn money instead of depending on aid,” shares Masoka, a refugee woman in the program. ✅ Women-Led Cooperatives Established for Economic Stability The program has facilitated the creation of women-led tailoring cooperatives, where trained women work together to produce garments and school uniforms for local markets. These cooperatives provide a stable income, foster teamwork and leadership, and ensure economic sustainability for participants. ✨ “We are not just seamstresses; we are businesswomen, leaders, and role models for other refugee women,” says Fatuma, a cooperative member. ✅ Strengthening SOFERES’ Institutional Capacity With improved office infrastructure and equipment, SOFERES is now better positioned to scale its impact and support even more refugee women. The enhanced training center and additional resources have allowed the program to expand its reach and provide quality skills development to more women in need. ✨ “This investment in SOFERES ensures that more women will continue to benefit from our programs, long after initial funding ends,” says Mitamba Jumapili, a SOFERES mentor. Beyond Economic Empowerment: A Community Transformed The Women’s Livelihood and Economic Empowerment Program has done more than just teach skills—it has boosted confidence, inspired leadership, and strengthened social cohesion among refugee women. Participants are now more financially independent, empowered to make decisions, and capable of supporting their families and communities. By breaking gender and economic barriers, this initiative is building a new generation of financially resilient and self-sufficient women in Dzaleka. What’s Next? SOFERES is committed to expanding this initiative and ensuring more women gain the skills and resources needed for sustainable livelihoods. Our next steps include: 🔹 Scaling up training to reach more women in Dzaleka.🔹 Expanding market access for women-led cooperatives through strategic partnerships.🔹 Introducing digital financial literacy training to enhance business management.🔹 Strengthening advocacy for refugee women’s economic rights. Join Us in Empowering Refugee Women Through the Women’s Livelihood and Economic Empowerment Program, SOFERES is proving that economic empowerment is key to breaking cycles of poverty and dependence. With continued support from partners, donors, and advocates, we can ensure more refugee women gain the skills, tools, and confidence they need to transform their futures. Together, let’s empower women, uplift communities, and build lasting change in Dzaleka.

At SOFERES, we believe that every girl deserves the opportunity to dream, lead, and thrive. Since 2023, with the generous support of Girls Leading Our World (GLOW), we have been implementing a transformative mentorship program for girls in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi. This initiative is equipping girls with leadership skills, confidence, and a strong support network, helping them navigate the unique challenges of refugee life and claim their futures with courage and determination. The Power of Mentorship The SOFERES Glow Clubs provide a safe space where girls can learn, connect, and grow under the guidance of dedicated mentors. These clubs focus on: Since launching this mentorship program, we have reached over 500 girls in Dzaleka with life-changing support, helping them envision brighter futures beyond displacement. Impact in Action: Stories of Change Bimoza Uzima (16 years old)“Before joining the SOFERES Glow Club, I was afraid to speak in public. I thought my ideas were not important. But through mentorship, I learned that my voice matters. Today, I lead discussions and help other girls gain confidence, just like I did.” Hadia Mukendi (15 years old)“I grew up believing that girls had fewer opportunities, but my mentor showed me that I can be anything I want to be. I now dream of becoming a lawyer to fight for girls’ rights in my community.” Kavira’s StoryA 14-year-old girl in Dzaleka, Kavira was at risk of dropping out of school due to financial hardship. Through the SOFERES Glow Club, she connected with mentors who helped her secure educational support. Today, she is back in school, thriving academically, and inspiring other girls to persist despite challenges. What’s Next? As we move forward, SOFERES is committed to: 🔹 Expanding Glow Clubs to reach more girls in remote parts of the camp.🔹 Training more female mentors to support and inspire the next generation.🔹 Providing entrepreneurship and vocational skills to help girls become financially independent.🔹 Advocating for policy changes to improve access to education and protection for refugee girls. Join Us in Making a Difference The SOFERES Glow Clubs are proof that mentorship can change lives, break barriers, and build future leaders. With continued support from Girls Leading Our World and partners who believe in the power of girls, we can expand our reach and empower even more young women. Together, we are shaping a generation of strong, fearless, and unstoppable girls in Dzaleka and beyond!

This story was documented and produced with financial support from UNHCR under the “Safe from the Start: Impactful GBV Interventions Pilots in Operations” project, implemented by SOFERES in Dzaleka Camp. Nadia, a 28-year-old refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, had her childhood stolen from her. Forced into an early marriage at just 15 years old, she endured years of emotional and physical abuse at the hands of her much older husband. Her life was dictated by his rules—where she could go, who she could speak to, and even what she could wear. If she resisted, she faced brutal consequences. The fear and shame of her situation kept her silent for years. “I thought marriage was supposed to be my protection, but it became my prison,” Nadia recalls. “I had nowhere to turn. I was isolated, afraid, and convinced that no one would believe me.” A Ray of Hope: The Turning Point Everything changed when she attended a SOFERES awareness session on Gender-Based Violence (GBV). For the first time, she learned about her rights, the cycle of abuse, and the support systems available to women like her. She listened as other survivors shared their testimonies, realizing she was not alone. Their courage ignited something within her—a desire to break free. Encouraged by SOFERES staff, Nadia reached out for help. With support from Plan International Malawi, she was provided with emergency shelter, legal assistance, and counseling. For the first time in years, she felt safe. Healing was not immediate. The trauma lingered, and rebuilding her life felt overwhelming. But with the support of Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) and dedicated counselors, Nadia began to regain her confidence. She enrolled in empowerment workshops, learning skills that would allow her to be financially independent. Through these programs, she met other women who had survived similar experiences. Their collective strength and solidarity became a source of hope. From Survivor to Advocate: Paying It Forward Determined to prevent other women from enduring the same pain, Nadia chose to become a community mobilizer. Today, she volunteers with a Community-Based Organization (CBO), working closely with women in Dzaleka Refugee Camp. She raises awareness about GBV, educates women on their rights, and connects survivors to life-saving services, including shelters, legal aid, and psychosocial support. Her transformation from victim to advocate has been profound. She is no longer silent—she is a voice for the countless women who still suffer in the shadows. “Speaking out saved my life,” Nadia says. “Now, I make sure no woman feels alone in her fight for justice. Every time I help a woman find safety, I know I’m breaking the cycle of violence.” A Movement for Change Nadia’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, knowledge, and community support. Through the work of SOFERES, UNHCR, and its implementing partners, more women like her are finding the courage to leave abusive situations and reclaim their lives. Her journey proves that survivors can become leaders. With every awareness session she leads, Nadia is not only transforming individual lives but also challenging the deep-rooted societal norms that enable GBV to persist. She is living proof that when survivors are empowered, they become the strongest advocates for change. Together, we can end GBV. Nadia’s story is just the beginning.