Empowering Refugee Mothers: Josianne’s Journey

In the midst of conflict and uncertainty, Josianne’s journey as a mother began at the age of 17. Fleeing the horrors of war in her homeland of Congo, she sought refuge in Kenya. With no family members to support her, Josianne found herself without a place to live and struggled to meet her basic needs. Fortunately, in 2017, she was connected to RefuSHE through the help of UNHCR. 
 
Upon arrival, she and her three-month-old son were taken to the Safe House where they received medical care, much-needed emotional support, and shelter. It was here that she received guidance on motherhood for the first time. "I learned how to raise a baby at the Safe House – how to breastfeed, wash clothes, and take care of myself while being a mother," she recounts. 

Once her son was grown, Josianne was determined to gain an education and she enrolled in the Girls Empowerment Program. She began at the basic level, where she was learning how to speak and write in English and Swahili. She highlights that juggling motherhood and being a student was the most challenging part. "It was not easy. Sometimes I would go to class and leave him crying at daycare because I had an exam to take. It would break my heart, but I had to take the exam," she shares. 
 
Today, Josianne is a member of RefuSHE's Artisan Collective, having completed vocational skills training in tailoring. She now earns a living by creating tie-dye fabrics and clothes. With this income, she is able to meet the basic needs of her two children – a 6-year-old son and a 1-year-old daughter. 
 
She has high hopes for her children's future. "It is my prayer for them to have a long life. I hope they receive an education so that one day they can become successful members of society." 
 
Josianne acknowledges that without RefuSHE, motherhood would have been incredibly challenging. "I didn't have a place to live or the means to earn money. RefuSHE supported me by providing shelter at the Safe House and helping with my rent once I found my own housing. They also educated me. I couldn't have done it alone." 
 
She expresses that while motherhood has its challenges, her greatest joy is being called "mother." "Not every woman gets the chance to be called a mother, and I am grateful for each day that I get to hear my children call me 'mom.' It is truly a blessing." 
 
Speaking about the toughest moments she has faced as a mother, Josianne shares, "Seeing your child sick is the hardest thing. When they are ill, I cannot eat, sleep, or do anything until they recover." She adds that she would do anything for her children, including going hungry so that they can have a meal. "Motherhood teaches you to prioritize your children above yourself." 
 
Josianne concludes by offering advice to young mothers like herself. "The first step is to accept what happened. From there, it becomes much easier. Motherhood carries a lot of responsibility, but it is a worthwhile responsibility."