These three Sparking Change grantees are investing in refugee women’s futures

Among resettled refugee communities in the United States, refugee women often face unique challenges that prevent them from fully settling into their new homes. Many women struggle to access resources offered due to hurdles like childcare, transportation and English language abilities. Many grantees of the Sparking Change grant experienced these challenges themselves and are now setting out to build better opportunities for other refugee women. 

USA for UNHCR’s Sparking Change grant gives resettled refugees in the United States the opportunity to pursue projects that directly impact resettled refugees in their local communities. Among the 2023 Sparking Change grantee cohort, three women developed programs that spoke specifically to the needs of refugee women in their communities. From digital literacy classes to livelihood workshops, these women meet refugee women where they are and create opportunities to help them build brighter futures. 

Masouda

As a resettled refugee from Afghanistan who resettled in Tusla, Oklahoma, Masouda understands better than anyone the challenges that refugee women face in the United States. Between raising her children, her job and a full-time student, Masouda also understands that many Afghan women in her community cannot access English language classes and other resources because of their busy schedules. With support from the Sparking Change grant, Masouda developed a program that helps Afghan women learn English and enhance their digital skills and financial literacy.

“I can see a big difference in the lives of Afghan women, they are very happy,” Masouda shares. “I have noticed significant progress among the women who started on the first day; now, they can communicate and speak in English.”

Shaima, one of the women participating in Masouda’s project, was particularly excited to improve her skills with English and driving. The ability to drive offers independence and freedom for resettled refugees, but English language skills and access to driving teachers are often a barrier to obtaining a driver’s license. For Shaima, Masouda’s project was a golden opportunity. “I feel happy,” Shaima shares about the prospect of having a license. She looks forward to a future where she can go to work or shop without relying on anyone else. 

Sara

Sara, a resettled refugee from Sudan, is interested in fostering community across cultures for refugee women in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Through the power of food, Sara used her Sparking Change grant to host workshops for refugee women to share their lived experiences and favorite recipes. The workshops sought not only to connect women through their love of food, but also to help refugee women open up about their stories of forced displacement and find community with other women who share their experiences. 

Throughout the workshops, Sara evolved her project based on the needs of the women who were attending. In addition to refugee women, the sessions also opened up to children. Many refugee women did not have access to childcare, so Sara found a way to ensure that the women and their children could participate in her program. 

“We had great turnouts of women showing up and inviting newcomers, actively engaging and being open,” Sarah says. “It was heartening to see women opening up about their challenges and connecting through food.” 

Magnifique

Magnifique’s inspiration for her Sparking Change project was her mother. Magnifique was born and raised in a refugee camp in Tanzania, but her family is originally from Burundi. Before she was forced to flee, her mother worked as a marriage counselor, but she was unable to continue her work in the United States. Magnifique hopes to help other refugee women pursue livelihood opportunities and develop professional skills to help them rebuild their lives in their new communities. 

Through the Sparking Change grant, Magnifique hosted the Kerebuka Women Conference. This one day conference offered panels, presentations and networking opportunities for resettled refugee women. “My goal to empower women was achieved. It was a harmonized event that transformed the lives of all who attended,” Magnifique shares about the conference. 

How to Help:

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency supports the full journey of 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.