Empowering Refugee Women Through Vocational Trainings: A Journey of Skill Building and Independence
We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of five hands-on vocational trainings conducted under the SHELEADS II project, which aims to empower refugee women and provide them with practical skills for economic independence. These trainings were designed to inspire creativity, foster self-sufficiency, and offer new opportunities for women to support themselves and their families. While five trainings were held, we are particularly excited to highlight three of them that made a significant impact on the participants.
Candle Making: Sparking New Beginnings
The first training, held over three days, focused on candle making. A group of refugee women learned how to craft beautiful, handmade candles—an experience that not only brought out their creativity but also equipped them with the skills to start their own small businesses. From choosing the right wax to adding scents and colors, participants learned the essentials of candle making, creating a potential source of income.
For many, it was an eye-opening opportunity. “This training gave me the confidence to create something with my own hands,” said one participant. “I’m already thinking of how I can sell my candles and support my family.”
Soap Making: Crafting More Than Just Products
The second training introduced participants to soap making. Over the course of the training, the women learned how to make two types of homemade soaps: olive oil soap and glycerin soap. Using simple, locally available ingredients, the women learned to create eco-friendly, handmade products with the potential to be sold locally, offering them a new avenue for generating income while promoting healthy living.
One participant shared, “I never imagined I could make soap at home. Now, I have the skills to produce something people will want to buy, and it feels good to know I’m creating something healthy and natural.”
Home Agriculture: Cultivating Skills for Self-Sufficiency
The third training focused on home agriculture, teaching the participants how to grow essential crops in their own backyards. This training covered a wide variety of plants, including mint, basil, thyme, sage, cabbage, and spinach, as well as legumes like fava beans and chickpeas. These plants provide fresh, nutritious food and the potential for small-scale selling, empowering the women to earn income from their own gardens.
“I’ve always wanted to grow my own food,” said one participant. “Now, I feel ready to start my own little garden and even sell the extra produce to my community.”
Empowering Refugee Women Through SHELEADS II: A Journey of Resilience and Opportunity
We are proud to share the milestones of SHELEADS II project, an initiative that stands as a testament to the strength and determination of refugee women. Designed to provide practical tools, foster self-reliance, and create avenues for economic independence, SHELEADS II is more than a series of training—it is a comprehensive approach to empowering women and building resilient communities.
This year, SHELEADS II has reached hundreds of women, equipping them with skills that go beyond technical knowledge. It has nurtured their confidence, creativity, and ability to transform their lives, despite the challenges they face. At the heart of the project lies the belief that empowering women is key to fostering stronger families and more sustainable communities.
A Holistic Approach to Empowerment
SHELEADS II integrates skill-building with psychosocial support, enabling women to not only acquire new abilities but also to heal and grow in a supportive environment. The project emphasizes collaboration and community building, creating networks of women who support and uplift one another. These connections ensure that the impact of the project extends beyond individual participants, touching families and communities in meaningful ways.
The project includes tailored vocational trainings, such as candle making, soap making, and home agriculture, which equip participants with practical skills that can translate into sustainable livelihoods. These sessions provide women with the tools they need to build businesses, generate income, and regain control over their economic futures.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
Beyond the vocational training, SHELEADS II addresses the unique challenges faced by refugee women, including limited access to resources, social isolation, and economic uncertainty. By fostering resilience and self-reliance, the project empowers women to overcome these barriers and unlock their potential as changemakers in their communities.
Through the support of SHELEADS II, women have not only acquired technical skills but have also rediscovered their confidence and ability to dream big. Whether they are starting small businesses, contributing to their families' incomes, or inspiring others in their communities, these women are rewriting their narratives and creating paths to brighter futures.
A Lasting Impact
The success of SHELEADS II lies in its ability to create lasting change. By addressing the immediate needs of refugee women while fostering long-term sustainability, the project ensures that its impact continues to grow. Participants are not just learning skills; they are gaining the confidence and tools to take charge of their lives, support their families, and contribute to their communities.
As one participant reflected, “This project has given me more than just a skill—it has given me hope. I now see a future where I can support my family and be proud of what I’ve achieved.”
The project has also sparked collaboration and shared learning among participants, creating a ripple effect that benefits entire communities. By empowering women, SHELEADS II strengthens the social fabric, building resilience and hope in areas that need it most.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate the achievements of the women in SHELEADS II, we are reminded that empowerment is a journey, not a destination. The project’s holistic approach ensures that participants are equipped to continue growing, learning, and leading change in their communities long after the training concludes.
We remain committed to supporting refugee women through SHELEADS II and look forward to expanding its reach and impact. Together, we can create a future where women are not only equipped with the tools to thrive but are also celebrated as leaders and drivers of positive change.
For more information about the SHELEADS II project and how you can support our efforts, please visit our website or get in touch with us directly. Together, we can continue to empower women and transform lives.
