Women in Uganda Take the Wheel (World Refugee Day 2026)
“To all my brothers and sisters who are refugees: I know life is hard. Sometimes we feel like we are only surviving, not living. We carry poverty, fear, trauma, and the weight of our families. But please don’t lose hope because of all that. You are not alone, and your story is not over.”
This is Ange Shokano’s message to the 117.8 million people worldwide who have been forcibly displaced from their homes. Every year on June 20, World Refugee Day, Peace Winds joins in honoring their experiences and sharing their stories–those of both hardship and happiness.
Taking the Wheel
Ange is an aspiring auto mechanic and soon-to-be graduate of a Peace Winds and UN Women vocational program in Uganda. The program helps empower refugees, as well as local Ugandans, with the skills and confidence to work in local garages or become small business owners.
The second of seven children, Ange fled with her family from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where their village experienced constant attacks from armed rebel groups. They have been living in the Kyaka II Refugee Settlement in Uganda since 2019. Although life here has been much more peaceful, opportunities are limited. Ange dropped out of school two years ago because her family could not afford the tuition.
“My mother was the first person to encourage me to join the mechanics program,” she says. “She said, ‘I don’t have money to keep you in school, but you can go for this training, and this will help you sustain yourself.’”
Elina Iraguha is another aspiring mechanic in the program. Born in Rwanda and living in Kyaka II since she was one year old, she has loved cars since she was a little girl.
“I chose mechanics because I want to earn a living and show that women can succeed in any field,” Elina says.
Navigating Obstacles
This hasn’t always been easy. Elina explains that people sometimes laugh when they see her doing what they call a “man’s job,” and some customers don’t trust female mechanics with their cars.
Being a refugee carries its own trauma and challenges, too. Although Uganda has one of the world’s most welcoming policies for people seeking asylum, dwindling international support means that refugee women in particular are increasingly vulnerable to poverty and economic dependency. Ange also cites low self-confidence and depression as common obstacles for refugee women like her.
“As a refugee, even if I have the skill, it’s very hard for me to start my own automotive garage because it’s expensive for me,” says Elina.
But neither women are letting these hurdles stop them.
“Despite all these hardships, I stay strong and I keep fighting for a better future for my family and for myself,” says Ange.
Their hard work is paying off. Ange and Elina have one course left to finish before they graduate from the program. They tell us that they now feel confident with everything from oil changes, brakes, and tires to diagnostics and safety protocols. People skills may be among the most important, though.
“The best thing was learning to explain technical problems in simple words to customers,” says Ange. “I use that every day so clients understand the work and feel confident.”
The Road Ahead
As they look toward the future, they’re hopeful not only for their own success, but also for the chance to pass on their experience to other women like them.
“I see people with their own businesses because of these skills,” Elina says. “My dream in 10 years is to have my own workshop where I can repair people’s cars and train others in the community. It would be a big workshop that could accommodate up to 50 learners, mostly women. Many women overlook this job because they think it is only for men. And yet it is just a skill. Anyone can learn it.”
Ange also hopes to one day open a garage with other women from her program. “It’s important for women to focus on themselves. Learn mechanics or hair dressing – whatever skills you need to sustain yourself.”
Elina offers similar advice. “To my fellow refugees: learn a skill with your hands whenever you get the chance. Don’t wait for help. Instead, start with what you have, and this will help you earn a living wherever you [end up].”
“Keep your dignity, keep learning,” Ange urges. “Take care of your health and your children one day at a time. Our strength is that we keep going, even when it’s painful. One small step today can become a better future tomorrow. We are stronger than our pain.”
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This month, your donations to the Peace Winds Project of the Month Club are supporting vocational programs like this one for refugee women in Uganda. Donate on this page or click here to learn more.
