Refugee Women Strengthen Economic Independence in Uganda
Declining international support, rising inflation, and limited resources in Uganda continue to make it difficult for refugees to access secure livelihoods and support their families. This is particularly true for women.
To help address these challenges, Peace Winds helps refugees and other vulnerable individuals gain the skills they need to access better economic opportunities. Participants can take classes in fields ranging from auto mechanics to sewing and tailoring. They are also becoming more self-reliant. A recent Peace Winds program helped students across five refugee settlements learn not only basic computer skills but also online marketing using smartphones.
In the Ariyo 1 Refugee Settlement in Adjumani District, northern Uganda, South Sudanese refugee women are putting what they have learned into practice. They are using their new online marketing skills to sell the clothes they make and earn an income.
Beatrice, a Ugandan woman who lives near the settlement, makes a living selling vegetables and other goods by the roadside. She is a student in Peace Winds’ information and communication technology training program. She visits the classroom in the afternoon when there is no training. She practices what she has learned on her own and shares her dream:
“I’m saving money to buy a smartphone. Someday, I want to promote and sell my products to people outside my community.”
For both refugee and local women, significant challenges and barriers remain. But access to training and learning opportunities helps build confidence, strengthen economic independence, and empower women to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
The information technology program has been made possible by funding from the Japanese government, UN Women, and other donors. Your donations will help us continue providing programs like these.