Celebrating Women: A Refugee Woman’s Inspiring Story

The family was forced to leave due to the political persecution they faced. Their journey was long, hazardous and involved travel by trains, boats, and buses. Some of the routes they took to Zambia were on foot over difficult terrain. 

Despite the poverty and other hardships, they have endured over the last 12 years, Ndaywel believes her ability to survive when she fled her country made her determined to help her family adapt to the conditions of life as a refugee and helped her overcome the challenges she faced and achieve what she has today thanks to the safety she found in Zambia. 

Upon arriving in Zambia by boat through Mpulungu Harbour on Lake Tanganyika, Ndaywel and her family continued their journey by road to Lusaka, the capital city. After being granted refugee status by the Government of the Republic of Zambia, they were transferred to Meheba Refugee Settlement in Northwestern Province, where Ndaywel started running a restaurant business and also worked hard to be productive through agricultural activities, growing maize, beans, and groundnuts. 

These business ventures enabled this inspirational woman to provide for her family and contribute to the community. Ndaywel's entrepreneurial spirit demonstrates how refugees can contribute to their host communities and become self-reliant.

In 2018, Ndaywel and her family were permitted to move to Lusaka based on medical grounds after her daughter was diagnosed with a disability. In Lusaka, she was selling a wide range of merchandise, including agricultural produce. Suddenly, COVID-19 hit and dramatically altered the visibility of her business in Lusaka, and the family was again struggling to make ends meet. While her small business is a testament to her resilience and determination to provide for her family, it was not enough to endure the economic shocks faced by everyone.

In 2022, Ndaywel, now a mother of three (with an additional six children from her husband), was identified by UNHCR’s livelihoods partner, Caritas Czech Republic, to receive assistance to help her recover and improve her income. She received ZKW5,000 (about US $200) in cash support and a sewing machine. Thanks to support from UNHCR, Ndaywel is again able to afford essential household needs like food and clothing, including for one of her daughters who requires special care at home due to a disability that prevents her from attending school. 

“Despite facing many challenges, the support I received helped boost my confidence and business,” said Ndaywel. She stands out as a member of the Makeni Tailoring Production Centre Co-operative Limited, in Lusaka. This remarkable collective of women offers tailoring services and ready-made products, including shirts, trousers, dresses, and school uniforms. The co-operative sells their products to the public and is making a profit.

Ndaywel's story highlights challenges faced by refugees when forced to flee their home countries and seek asylum. It also highlights the importance of recognizing that refugees come with talent, drive and a determination to rebuild their lives. 

Investing in strong women like Ndaywel is crucial in helping refugee communities and their hosts build cohesive and thriving communities. On International Women’s Day, 8 March 2024, UNHCR celebrates women like Ndaywel, who are determined to thrive amid very challenging circumstances.