Recognizing Refugee Women’s Impact
By: Yome Jimmy
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women around the world. But while many women break barriers in various industries, some fight different battles, seeking safety, stability, and a chance to rebuild their lives. Despite the challenges refugee women face, they continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, leadership, and innovation in their communities and beyond.
This Women’s History Month, we highlight the extraordinary contributions of refugee women who are not just surviving but thriving and creating positive change around the world. Their stories represent the untold potential of displaced women when given support, resources, and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
The stories you’re about to read showcase women who refused to be defined by their refugee status. Instead, they have used their experiences, skills, and determination to break barriers, help others, and make lasting contributions to society. From education activists and peace-builders to entrepreneurs, healthcare providers, and artists, these women demonstrate the profound impact refugee women can have when they receive the right support.
As you read these inspiring accounts, remember that for every story highlighted here, thousands more refugee women are working quietly but powerfully to rebuild their lives and strengthen their communities. These are the women Creshendo supports every day, inspiring them to rise, thrive and create lasting changes.
1. The Girl Who Fought for Books in a War Zone
Muzoon Almellehan
When bombs fell on her hometown in Syria, 14-year-old Muzoon Almellehan didn’t just worry about safety. She worried about her schoolbooks.
“I took my school books before anything else,” Muzoon remembers. While other families packed jewelry or keepsakes, her priority was clear, education comes first.
In the Jordanian refugee camp where her family found shelter, Muzoon saw many girls dropping out of the makeshift schools. Parents, afraid for their daughters’ futures, were arranging early marriages instead.
So what did this teenage girl do? She went from tent to tent, talking to parents and girls, fighting for education with simple but powerful words: “Education is the one thing that no one can take from you.”
People started calling her the “Malala of Syria.” Her courage caught the world’s attention, and by 2017, she became the youngest ever UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Did you know that less than 39% of refugee girls worldwide get a secondary education, compared to 63% of boys? Muzoon is working to change those numbers, one girl at a time.
Just like Muzoon, Creshendo is dedicated to making quality education accessible, to help displaced women integrate into their new communities. By providing innovative learning resources, mentorship programs, and vocational platforms, Creshendo empowers women with the tools they need to succeed, in their new communities.
2. The Activist Who Returned to a War Zone to Build Peace
Ilwad Elman
Most people run away from war. Ilwad Elman ran toward it.
After growing up safely in Canada, where her family had fled from Somalia’s civil war, Ilwad made a choice that surprised everyone. At just 19, she returned to Somalia which was still a dangerous place, to continue her father’s work for peace.
Her father, Elman Ali Ahmed, was a peace activist who was killed for his beliefs. Instead of letting fear win, Ilwad picked up where he left off.
Today, she leads “Elman Peace,” helping former child soldiers, many of them girls—find new lives. Her programs offer everything from mental health support to job training for young women.
“Many of these girls were forced to be both victims and perpetrators of violence,” Ilwad explains. “They need a path to healing and a way to contribute positively to society.”
Her courage earned her a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2020. But more importantly, it’s changing lives in Somalia every day.
3. The Woman who became a U.S. Congresswoman
Ilhan Omar
Ilhan Omar was just a little girl when war came to her country, Somalia. Her family had to run away to stay safe. They found shelter in Kenya, in a place called the Dadaab refugee camp. Ilhan lived there for four years.
The camp was not a nice place to live. There wasn’t enough food. Many people were sick. Tents were crowded together. But even in this hard place, Ilhan dreamed of a better life.
When Ilhan was 12, something amazing happened. Her family was told they could move to America. They went to live in Minnesota, where it was very cold and everything was new and strange.
Learning to speak English was hard. Some kids at school were mean to Ilhan because she looked and dressed differently. But she didn’t give up.
“I knew education was my way forward,” Ilhan says. “My father told me that in America, I could be anything if I worked hard enough.”
Ilhan finished high school. Then she went to college. She learned about how governments work. She started helping other immigrants and refugees in her community.
Then Ilhan did something that surprised many people. She decided to run for office. She wanted to help make laws that would be fair for everyone.
In 2018, people in Minnesota voted for Ilhan. She won! She became the first person from Somalia ever to serve in the United States Congress. This is a place where important laws are made. She also became one of the first Muslim women to hold this job.
Now, when leaders talk about refugees, Ilhan can say, “I was a refugee too. I know what it’s like.” She works to make sure refugees are treated with kindness and respect.
Ilhan’s story teaches us something important: refugees can do amazing things if given a chance. Although there have been some policy changes in recent times, making life harder for refugees and migrants in many places, Ilhan’s story gives hope that change is still possible. What she did can happen again.
At Creshendo, we understand how hard it is for refugees and migrants to rebuild their lives, especially when it comes to mental health. Moving to a new place, learning a new language, and facing discrimination can be very stressful. That’s why we support mental well-being by providing safe spaces, guidance, and community support. We believe that when people feel heard and cared for, they can thrive, just like Ilhan Omar.
4. The Chef Who Created Jobs Through Cooking
Majeda Khouri
Majeda Khouri loved cooking in Syria. When war forced her to flee to London with her children, she lost her home and her food business.
In this new country, cooking Syrian dishes helped her feel less alone. “When I make Syrian food, I feel at home again,” Majeda says.
What began as meals for her homesick children grew into something bigger. Majeda started teaching cooking classes and serving Syrian food at events.
Then she created “Syrian Sunflower,” a special project that gives jobs to refugee women. Together, they cook authentic Syrian meals and share them with people in London.
“Each dish tells a story about our culture,” she explains. “We’re not just cooking—we’re teaching people about Syria beyond the sad war news.”
Today, Majeda’s project has been featured in food magazines and TV shows, changing perceptions about refugees while giving jobs to many refugee women who had no work. It gives them friends when they feel alone. It gives them pride when they feel forgotten.
5. The Journalist Who Refuses to Stay Silent
Khadija Amin
Khadija Amin, a journalist from Afghanistan, had to flee to Spain when the Taliban took over in 2021. Before that, she worked as a news presenter, but the Taliban banned women from working in the media.
Even though she lost her home and career, she didn’t give up. Now, she advocates for refugee women, especially those forced to leave Afghanistan. She helps Afghan women who have fled to Europe find resources for education, work, and rebuilding their lives.
Amin also raises awareness about the struggles of displaced Afghan women, ensuring their voices are heard. She works with organizations and activists like Massouda Kohistani to fight for women’s rights, press freedom, and international support for refugees.
Through her speeches, interviews, and activism, she is making sure that refugee women are not forgotten and that they get the help they need to build new futures.
At Creshendo, we believe that every refugee and migrant woman deserves to be heard and supported. We raise awareness about their struggles and work to ensure they get the help they need to rebuild their lives.
Muzoon, Ilwad, Ilhan, Majeda, and Khadija are just a few among millions of refugee women who refuse to be defined by their circumstances. They remind us that being a refugee is a situation, not an identity.
At Creshendo, we believe in the untapped potential of every refugee woman—empowering them to pursue meaningful careers and rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. Join us in creating opportunities for new beginnings.
How can you help?
- Follow www.creshendo.org to learn about the work we do to help refugees integrate into their new communities
- Donate to support the work we do
- Support refugee-owned businesses and social enterprises
- Welcome newcomers in your neighborhood, workplace, or school
- Share these stories to change the conversation about refugees
Remember, when we support refugee women, we’re investing in world-changers.
As Muzoon Almellehan wisely said: “We must see refugees not as a burden, but as an opportunity.” At Creshendo, we couldn’t agree more.
