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A journey of hope and triumph

Posted on 23 Sep 2024

'Halima', a single mother of 10 (5 boys, 5 girls), fled Somalia due to the ongoing conflict in 2010 with her husband and 5 children. After a few years of trying to care for their family in the refugee camp, life became too difficult, and her husband opted to return to Somalia to give life another chance. With limited opportunities in the camp, 9 children to care for and another one on the way, Halima started a tie-dye business to sustain her family which proved difficult to sustain at the time.

With the departure of her husband, she faced immense challenges adjusting to a new environment while trying to care for her family. Her in-laws descended on her and her children chasing them away from her allocated house in Hagadera as the husband had re-married back in Somalia.

Homeless and in need of shelter and protection from her in-laws, Halima moved to Dagahaley to start life a fresh living with friends and family.

Overwhelmed by the trauma of her in-laws and her difficult circumstances, Halima sought counseling at the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) protection office. A caseworker documented her situation and conducted an assessment to ensure she received the emotional and psychological support she needed.

She underwent group therapy where she found a support community of women who had gone through similar situation as hers.

I’m hopeful for the future, that my kids that have finished school are able to secure some job and support me care for the younger ones, and that the younger ones are able to complete school with ease.

/ Halima

Through a vulnerability assessment, Halima was identified as a needy person under the DRC’s multipurpose cash grant program and received financial aid funded by the European Civil Protection and Civil Aid Operations (ECHO).

In addition to the grant, she attended business capacity-building training, which helped her sharpen her entrepreneurial skills. She was also referred to a shelter program, providing her with a stable living space for her and her children.

With renewed determination, Halima started a jewellery business that she runs from her home.

“The income I earn allows me to provide for my family, covering essential needs such as food, school uniforms, and healthcare. I also hope to grow my business by diversifying the goods I sells”, says Halima reflectively.

Halima’s journey from trauma to self-reliance became an inspiration for others in the camp. With the financial and psychological support of the DRC, along with her resilience, she transformed her life. Today, Halima is living with hope and stability, proving the power of perseverance, support, and entrepreneurship.

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