Gender Equality Kenya Project #40252

Women's Sewing Project in Kakuma Refugee Camp

by Transforming Community for Social Change

Project Report | May 15, 2025
Listening sessions with Refugees

By Peter Serete | Program Coordinator

Small circle sharing current challenges in camp

In response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement, our organization conducted six Listening Sessions aimed at supporting refugees who are increasingly vulnerable due to food insecurity, lack of healthcare access, and disrupted education. The sessions targeted 150 participants drawn from previous AVP (Alternatives to Violence Project) and HROC (Healing and Rebuilding Our Communities) trainings. 67 women (30 and above years), 55 men (30 and above year) 45 youth (18-30 years) 2 People with disability. A total of 168 refugees participated in the Listening sessions.

These sessions were implemented amid growing desperation in the camp following the withdrawal of several aid agencies, exacerbated by the ripple effects of American sanctions affecting African countries, including interruptions in USAID funding. The situation is especially dire for women and youth who have lost not only material support but also safe spaces for advocacy and healing.

Listening Sessions, a tool developed in Kenya following the 2007 post-election violence, provided a structured environment for participants to share their pain, reflect on personal and communal challenges, and begin the journey toward healing. Each session included guided empathy exercises, storytelling, and referrals for deeper trauma care and conflict resolution.

THE CHALLENGES WE FACE IN THE KAKUMA REFUGEE CAMP AFTER THE WITHDRAW OF USAID CURRENTLY;

1. Shortage of water and lack of good hygiene led to a high risk of cholera outbreak

2. Insufficient food from the UNHCR leads to a high rate of crimes in the refugee camp

3. Fears and panic attacks on the Refugees by Kenyan police and the host community

4. High risk of death due to poor healthcare and lack of good medicines in the hospital

5. The trauma cases increase because people are more likely traumatized by the current situation in Kakuma

6. High cases of stealing, rape, and robberies due to life struggles.

7. Displacement of Refugees from region to region due to the conflict and flood.

8. Lack of shelter and clothes

9. Children drop out of school due to lack of school fees and hunger.

10. High cases of attempted suicide in the camp because of inadequate funding.

Testimonies from the listening sessions

“When we were receiving food, we could at least eat twice a day. Now with just rice and sorghum and no cooking oil, I sometimes go two days without food. I came here for protection, but even my body is no longer safe,” shared Elizabeth, a 34-year-old mother of three from South Sudan. “But this session reminded me I am not alone.”

“I saw pictures of two young men killed during the protest on my daughter’s phone,” said Peter, a HROC facilitator from South Sudan. “We were just standing in solidarity with the women. Since then, I have had nightmares and feared leaving my shelter. This session helped me speak for the first time. I cried in front of strangers and they didn’t judge me.”

Fatuma, a Congolese refugee in Kalobeyei settlement scheme, added, “Back home, we are taught never to speak about emotions. Here, I saw women and men listening to each other, and it made me believe that healing is possible. This space means a lot to me.”

These testimonies are a powerful reminder that listening is not passive—it is active healing. Participants were not only heard but also connected to follow-up services such as counselling, trauma healing groups, and peacebuilding programs under AVP and HROC.

Conclusion and Way Forward

Participants resolutions and desire

1. The return of USAID to the UN AGENCY to support Refugees

2. Provision of water and adequate foods

3. Availability of medicine in the hospitals

4. Funding of schools for children with disability and vulnerability.

5. Availability of more training for Trauma Healing Workshops

6. Provision of shelter and school uniforms to children who drop out of school

7. Extension of HROC Workshop to South Sudan to help people who have been experiencing trauma for a long time

8. The support of the HROC to vulnerable facilitators, facilitators with disabilities, and facilitators who are willing to attend further education like college and university

The Listening Sessions have proven to be an essential intervention during this critical time. They offer more than temporary relief; they lay the foundation for long-term resilience and community restoration. Participants emerged with a renewed sense of dignity, hope, and solidarity

our trauma facilitators leading the sessions

Youth sharing his experience during the protests

Permalink

Jan 15, 2025
Empowering Women and Healing Trauma Through Sewing

By Peter Serete | Program Coordinator

Trauma healing session with women in the camp

In the challenging environment of Kakuma Refugee Camp, a story of healing and empowerment is taking shape. At the centre of this story are the resilient women of the Kakuma Women’s Sewing Project, who have benefitted from Healing and Rebuilding Our Communities (HROC) trauma training. This powerful combination of trauma healing and vocational training is helping these women overcome their past struggles and rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.

Many of these women fled to Kakuma after experiencing the horrors of war, violence, and displacement in their home countries, particularly South Sudan. The trauma of these experiences left deep scars, affecting their mental and emotional well-being. HROC training offered these women a chance to begin their healing journey. This trauma-informed program, conducted in Kakuma Refugee Camp, equips participants with tools to process their pain, rebuild trust, and foster inner peace.

The women’s HROC sessions created a safe space for sharing personal experiences, understanding the impact of trauma, and finding paths to recovery. By learning to identify and address the lingering effects of their past, they began the journey of reclaiming their sense of self-worth and identity. This healing process laid the foundation for their engagement in the sewing project, providing them with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.

The Kakuma Women’s Sewing Project is more than a livelihood initiative; it is a lifeline for healing, empowerment, and self-expression. Through this project, women acquire valuable sewing skills that enable them to create marketable products such as garments, bags, and household items. The act of sewing itself becomes a therapeutic activity—offering a sense of focus, creativity, and accomplishment.

As they continue to sew, these women weave more than just fabric; they weave new stories of resilience and hope. Their creations reflect their cultures, telling stories of their heritage and dreams for the future. The project fosters a supportive community where women can uplift one another, share knowledge, and celebrate each other’s growth. This sense of solidarity is critical to healing, as it replaces feelings of isolation with belonging and mutual encouragement.

The healing process does not end with HROC training or the sewing project. These women are using their newfound skills and support networks to transform their lives further. By generating income from their sewing, they are regaining control over their futures, supporting their families, and contributing to the camp's economy. Financial stability also alleviates some of the stressors that exacerbate trauma, providing a more stable environment for healing to continue.

Looking ahead, the women aim to expand their project and reach larger markets for their products. This growth would provide more women in the camp with opportunities to heal, learn, and earn. However, they face challenges such as limited access to resources and markets. Partnerships with external volunteers, organizations, and buyers can play a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles.

The Kakuma Women’s Sewing Project and HROC training exemplify the transformative power of trauma healing combined with practical empowerment. These women’s stories remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of community-driven initiatives. As they heal and sew their way to a brighter future, they inspire others to believe in the possibility of hope and change, even in the face of adversity.

Healing & sewing circle of women sharing on trauma

Permalink

Aug 16, 2024
From Displacement to Empowerment

By Peter Serete | Program Coordinator

A woman that has impressed sewing in the camp

In the heart of a refugee camp, nestled away from the tumult and uncertainties of displacement, a remarkable success story is unfolding. It is a story of resilience, empowerment, and hope, cantered around two extraordinary women from the South Sudanese community. These women, through sheer determination and the support of a sewing project, have become beacons of inspiration for others in similar circumstances. Their journey not only highlights their personal triumphs but also underscores the profound impact of community-driven initiatives.

Fleeing from the ravages of conflict in South Sudan, these women found themselves in a refugee camp, grappling with the challenges of displacement. Amidst the adversity, they discovered an opportunity that would transform their lives—the sewing project. This initiative, designed to empower women, offered them a chance to learn new skills, create products, and rebuild their lives with dignity.

The sewing project is more than just a vocational training program; it is a lifeline that offers hope and a sense of purpose. By mastering the art of sewing, these women have gained a means of livelihood, enabling them to support their families and contribute to the camp's economy. The project fosters a supportive community where women uplift each other, share knowledge, and celebrate each other's achievements.

Our two heroines have not only embraced the sewing project but have excelled beyond, their creations are not only a testament to their talent but also a reflection of their culture and heritage, which they proudly showcase through their work.

These women have become role models within the camp, inspiring others to join the project and pursue their dreams. Their success has sparked a ripple effect, encouraging more women to take part in the initiative, thereby strengthening the community's fabric. The sewing project has become a symbol of resilience and empowerment, proving that with the right support, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome.

While the achievements of these women are commendable, there is still much to be done to ensure the sustainability and growth of the sewing project. One of the critical challenges is finding markets for their products. To address this, we are reaching out to volunteers from high-income countries who can help sell these handcrafted items.

Volunteers can play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the refugee camp and global markets. By leveraging their networks and resources, they can create opportunities for these women to showcase and sell their products internationally. This not only provides the women with a stable income but also promotes cultural exchange and understanding.

We are calling on compassionate individuals and organizations to support this noble cause. Volunteers can assist in various ways, such as setting up online stores, organizing pop-up markets, or even collaborating with established retailers. Every effort counts and can make a significant difference in the lives of these resilient women.

In addition to selling products, volunteers can also offer training and mentorship, helping the women enhance their skills and business acumen. This holistic approach ensures that the sewing project is not just a temporary solution but a sustainable model of empowerment and self-reliance.

The success story of these two South Sudanese women and other women in Kakuma Refugee camp is a powerful reminder of the strength and potential within every individual. With the right support, they have turned their lives around and are now inspiring others to do the same. By volunteering to help sell their products, you can be part of this transformative journey, fostering empowerment and hope in a community that needs it the most. Together, we can celebrate their success and build a brighter future for all.

Smiling from the ravages of conflict with hope

Permalink

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ›

About Project Reports

Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.

If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.