Shifting the Story: Refugee Women Taking the Lead

For refugee women, displacement is just the beginning of many challenges. They face higher poverty, fewer education and job opportunities, and a greater risk of gender-based violence.

Globally, women and children make up half of all refugees. In some regions, this number reaches 80%. Girls in crisis-affected areas are four times more likely to drop out of school than boys.

Still, many women are finding ways to rebuild. They are taking on new roles, speaking up, and creating change in their communities.

At the Finnish Refugee Council (FRC), we work with women to support that journey.

Why Women?

In refugee communities, women play a central role. They raise families, support livelihoods, and keep communities connected. But they’re often left out of decision-making spaces.

FRC puts women at the center of our work. At least 70% of our program participants are women. But for us, it’s not just about the numbers. We focus on giving women real tools—skills, knowledge, and confidence—to take charge of their futures.

Through leadership training, civic education, and livelihoods support, women begin to take up space and speak out.

Women Taking the Lead

Florence Amony Baraga used to believe women couldn’t lead. She rarely made decisions for herself and depended on her husband. That changed after she joined FRC’s civic education program.

“I used to rely on my husband’s decisions. Now, I confidently make my own choices both at home and in the community.”

Today, Florence serves as Vice Chairperson of a School Board. She is also a Para-Social Worker and leads a Village Savings and Loan Association. She inspires other women to step forward too.

Candia Mary Magdalene faced a different challenge. As a Refugee Welfare Committee Chairperson, she struggled to be taken seriously.

“Previously, men and even women would undermine me. But this training gave me confidence. Now, people trust me to mediate disputes and guide them.”

Both Florence and Mary show what happens when women are supported to lead. They don’t just improve their own lives, they lift entire communities.

Breaking Barriers and Building Futures

Women in displacement face tough odds. Leadership spaces are often closed to them. Many live in poverty, with limited access to education or livelihoods. Others face the trauma and silence that follow gender-based violence.

At FRC, we work with communities to remove these barriers. We help women build skills, grow their networks, and find platforms where their voices are heard.

When women lead, everyone benefits. They create safer, stronger communities and show younger generations what’s possible.

Moving Forward

Change takes time. But every day, refugee women are stepping into new roles and making bold choices.

FRC is proud to walk alongside them supporting their goals, listening to their stories, and working for a future where women can live with dignity, safety, and freedom.

Because when women rise, communities grow stronger.

To read more about the work of FRC in Uganda, please visit www.refugeecouncil.fi