Meet five resilient refugee women and girls who are soaring to new heights in STEM

Today, women make up just 35 percent of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce worldwide, a number that has remained stagnant over the last decade. For refugee women, that percentage is even lower due to barriers to education, such as financial obstacles, gender biases, social pressures and limited access to educational resources.

However, with support from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, refugee women and girls are defying the odds. Through their unwavering dedication, perseverance and intelligence, refugee women and girls are breaking through barriers, conquering new goals and soaring to new heights in STEM.

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are sharing the stories of five resilient refugee women and girls pursuing their dreams and excelling in STEM fields.

Yulia and Daria 

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Yulia and Daria had thriving careers as biologists. But the war forced them to flee Ukraine, leaving everything behind, including their careers. 

They found refuge in Bulgaria and were able to continue their work at Nasekomo, an employer partner of the Refugee Employment Platform established by the Foundation for Access to Rights (FAR) and UNHCR Bulgaria.

The Refugee Employment Platform not only helps forcibly displaced people in Bulgaria rebuild their lives, but matches refugees with jobs that align with their passions and professional skill sets.

Today, Yulia and Daria are advancing the industrial cultivation of black soldier flies (Hermetia Illucens). These insects produce proteins and oil, which has environmental benefits, including reduced CO2 emissions.

Sahar*

As a former Afghan refugee turned computer scientist, Sahar* is transforming lives through the power of education. 

Born in Bot refugee camp in Pakistan, Sahar's father, a former teacher, inspired her to get an education. After returning to Afghanistan in 2010, she pursued her passion and earned a computer science degree.

Today, Sahar channels her expertise into community service through UNHCR’s Female Volunteering Initiative at the Lower Sheikh Mesri School in Nangarhar, Afghanistan. Since the school's opening in October 2022, she has taught computer skills and English, empowering the next generation of Afghan girls.

The Initiative aims to harness the talents of female university graduates and students to inspire young girls through education. At the school, 24 dedicated female volunteers provide tutoring, mentorship and engaging extracurricular activities, creating a supportive environment for female students to thrive.

* Name changed for protection reasons

Fatima

Before violence erupted in Sudan in April 2023, 30-year-old Fatima Mohammed Khamees was a chemical engineer with a university degree in engineering and chemistry.

After fleeing violence in Darfur, she now teaches math, science and Arabic at the Al Tadamoun primary school at the Farchana refugee camp, helping to forge the futures of other STEM professionals like herself.

As a mother of two, she loves seeing the spark in her students' eyes when they learn something new. Fatima especially enjoys inspiring young girls to pursue science.

“I can also teach physics and chemistry, although these are advanced subjects for primary schoolers, whenever a student approaches me, I always give them everything I have.” 

With the support of UNHCR, and thanks to the passion and perseverance of teachers like Fatima, over 1,300 Sudanese children can now continue their education and attend classes six days a week.

Despite the makeshift classrooms and transient lifestyle, the students' aspirations soar high. Many dream of becoming pilots, lawyers or doctors.

Isra

In June 2023, the conflict in El Geneina, Sudan, forced 13-year-old Isra and her family to seek refuge in Chad.

With her parents and seven siblings, Isra found a new home at the Farchana refugee camp. There, she discovered a lifeline: the Al Tadamoun primary school, established just weeks before her arrival.

"I am happy that I can go to school again," says Isra.

Science and math are her favorite subjects, essential for her dream of becoming a doctor, a passion inspired by her mother. "My mother is a maternity nurse and she inspired me to become a doctor. So I love science and math, which are very important for doctors. I also like history because I can learn what happened before," she says.

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.