How UNHCR’s DAFI scholarship program is unlocking opportunities for refugee women and girls around the world

Education is a vital lifeline for women and girls and can significantly transform their lives, families and communities. Yet, around the world 122 million girls are still out of school. For refugee girls, education is even more difficult to access, as nearly half of all school-aged refugee children are missing out on an education. In addition, 7 percent of the refugee population have access to higher education, compared to 40 percent of the global population. According to UNICEF, in countries affected by conflict, girls are also twice as likely to be out of school than those living in non-conflict affected countries. 

Education helps refugee women and girls break cycles of poverty, improve economic inclusion and narrow disparities—giving them the opportunity to shape their futures. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is working to make this a reality through innovative education initiatives like the DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship program.

The DAFI scholarship program is the largest and longest-running higher education initiative for refugees. Since 1992, it has supported more than 26,500 young refugees in 59 countries pursuing their undergraduate degrees. Women currently comprise 43 percent of DAFI participants, and the program is on track to reach gender parity by 2025. 

From Burundi to Egypt to Slovakia, learn about how the DAFI scholarship program is unlocking opportunities and accelerating action for refugee women and girls around the world.

Grace, Public Health Student

For Grace, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) residing in Burundi, the DAFI scholarship program has been an invaluable tool that has enabled her to do more than just pursue her university degree in public health.

From completing her final thesis, to undertaking several internships and mentoring young female scholars as a final-year student at Université Lumière de Bujumbura, Grace is achieving remarkable things.

Today, she serves as the president of the DAFI Women Power Club. The mentoring initiative prepares young female DAFI scholars for future leadership roles and positive community change. Grace strives to challenge cultural gender norms and hopes her leadership inspires others. 

“I want to promote female leadership. As educated women, we still have to fight the idea that an educated woman will not be a good wife,” she explains. “But we keep moving forward and mentoring younger refugee girls and women who come after us so that they can become leaders and have some impact in this world. Mentalities are slowly evolving.”

Through the DAFI Scholarship Program and her hard work and perseverance, Grace is well on her way to fulfilling her dream of working in the health sector and making a positive change in her community, all while inspiring other refugees to reach for their dreams. 

“Being a refugee is not a choice. It is a situation that can happen in life. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be hopeful that you can change and escape that prison. It is all about changing your mindset,” she says. “It is primarily about how you look at things and what future you envision for yourself. You have to figure out ways to get by and to also help others. “As DAFI female scholars, our role is to show that being a refugee doesn’t mean that you should stay idle and lose hope.”

Joséphine, Psychology

Originally from the DRC, Joséphine was forced to flee her home country with her older sister. They found refuge in Burundi, where she attended university to study administration accounting.

Though she had found safety and begun her university education, financial constraints forced her to pause her studies. Thanks to the DAFI scholarship, she was able to resume her education in a field she was truly passionate about.

Today, Joséphine is in her final year at Université Lumière de Bujumbura, pursuing her dreams of studying clinical psychology. She hopes to help other refugees and address mental health disparities in their communities.

“Because of our living conditions, I have grown the desire to move forward and succeed in life. I see my future bright,” Joséphine explains. For instance, I would like to contribute to improving mental health across refugee camps in the country.”

She is also an active member of the DAFI Women's Power Club and dedicates herself to empowering fellow refugee women. She believes in highlighting the strength and potential that emerges when refugee women are given opportunities.

“As refugee women, we are sometimes perceived as being powerless, with no means, nothing. We are determined to reinforce female leadership and foster creativity among women.”

Liudmyla, Business Management

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 18-year-old Liudmyla was forced to flee her home in Ukraine and found refuge in Slovakia. There, thanks to UNHCR’s DAFI scholarship, she was able to continue her education.

“Leaving [Ukraine], I made a promise that I would do everything to acquire certain knowledge and skills that would help me and my country in the post-war period.”

Determined to help rebuild her country one day, Liudmyla drew inspiration from her grandfather, a doctor of economic sciences and a former university professor. 

With the support of DAFI, Liudmyla is well on her way to achieving her dream and is currently studying business management at Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. 

“I needed a profession and a field of study that would combine all my interests and provide opportunities for growth. Thus, I chose the field of study “Business Management,” which includes all my interests,” she says.

Fatima, Medical Student

For Fatma, a refugee from Yemen studying medicine at Cairo University in Egypt, the DAFI scholarship program has been life-changing in more ways than one. 

As the first woman in her family to pursue higher education, DAFI has not only allowed her to follow her dream of becoming a doctor, but also instilled a sense of hope, courage and confidence in herself and her abilities.

“It’s undeniable that DAFI was an integral part of my journey, facilitating the hardships and paving the way to reach my goal of becoming an efficient, experienced doctor, and more importantly, a person who gives back to her community,” she says.

Through the program, Fatma has worked with disadvantaged children, teaching them leadership, presentation and communication skills.

“To me, working with disadvantaged children is an opportunity and not charity,” Fatma says. They teach me as much or even more than what I teach them, for example, smiling regardless of hardships, being eager to learn more and building a brighter future.”

As a DAFI scholar for nearly four years, one of Fatma’s most memorable experiences was being chosen as a role model for new refugee scholars.

“I remember being in a complete shock after receiving the news, wondering why I was specially  chosen from a big number of students for this moment” she exclaims. “This is what makes DAFI special – their capacity to see things within yourself that escape your attention. In other words, it’s like they water flowers to make them bloom.”

How you can help…

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency supports refugees who have been forced to flee violence, war and persecution. Our donors help refugees in their greatest time of need with shelter, food, water and medical care, and their support builds awareness for resettled refugees living in the U.S. With your help, more refugees will have the opportunity to build peaceful lives and give their families a bright future.