Solidarity of Refugee Women for the Social Welfare (SOFERES) is a refugee women-led organization, founded in 2013 by a group of refugee women and girls living in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi. These women, who were survivors of various civil wars and conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and Somalia, came together with a shared vision: to create a support system for female refugees who faced extreme hardship, violence, and marginalization.

The initial idea for SOFERES emerged from the personal experiences of these women. Many had survived gender-based violence, lost their homes, families, and sources of livelihood, and were living in precarious conditions in Dzaleka Camp. They understood firsthand the particular challenges faced by women and girls in refugee settings, where issues like sexual exploitation, lack of access to education, and extreme poverty were pervasive. Motivated by the need to change the lives of their peers, they began organizing small support groups and skill-sharing workshops.

At first, SOFERES operated informally, bringing together women to discuss their challenges and how they could support one another. These discussions soon expanded into more structured activities, such as tailoring workshops, agricultural training, and literacy classes. The founders of SOFERES quickly realized that economic empowerment was key to overcoming many of the obstacles faced by refugee women, and they began focusing on livelihoods programs that could help women gain financial independence.

In the early years, SOFERES faced significant hurdles. Funding was scarce, and there was little recognition of the importance of supporting refugee-led initiatives. However, the resilience of the women who formed SOFERES drove them forward. They began reaching out to local and international organizations for support, forming partnerships with humanitarian agencies, NGOs, and donors who shared their vision of gender equality and empowerment for refugees.

As the organization grew, so did its reach and impact. SOFERES expanded its programs to include a focus on education, leadership development, and sexual and reproductive health. These new areas of work were informed by the needs expressed by the community and the gaps in services available within the camp. The organization became known for its holistic approach, combining economic empowerment with social and educational support to provide women and girls with the tools they needed to rebuild their lives.

Over the years, SOFERES has evolved from a small grassroots movement into a well-established organization that serves thousands of women and girls each year. The organization has been instrumental in advocating for the rights of female refugees, particularly around issues of gender-based violence, economic justice, and access to education. It has also become a key player in policy discussions on refugee women’s rights, both within Malawi and internationally.

In 2018, SOFERES was legally registered as an NGO with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs under the Trustees Incorporation Act of 1962 (CAP. 5:03), Form C, No. TR/INC8243. This legal recognition has enabled the organization to formalize its operations, enhance its credibility, and access more funding opportunities to sustain its programs.

One of SOFERES’ proudest achievements has been its ability to remain a refugee-led organization, with its leadership and staff composed primarily of women and girls who have lived through the refugee experience. This ensures that the programs and services offered by SOFERES are deeply rooted in the needs and realities of the community it serves.

Through the collective efforts of the women and girls who formed SOFERES and those who continue to lead it today, the organization remains a beacon of hope and empowerment for refugees in Dzaleka and beyond.