In South Sudan, where dreams are often overshadowed by conflict and displacement, thousands of women and children embark on perilous journeys seeking safety. They flee war-torn villages, leaving behind homes, livelihoods, and memories only to find themselves in refugee settlements or foreign cities, struggling to reclaim their sense of self.

For these women, displacement is not just a change of location, it is a rupture of identity, security, and dignity. The weight of uncertainty, the trauma of violence, and the struggle to provide for their families create an overwhelming sense of loss. But amid the hardship, a fire of resilience burns, waiting for the chance to reignite.

The Aachen Project was implemented by JRS-Kenya to address the urgent needs of urban refugees and host community members in Nairobi, who were severely affected by the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It aimed to restore livelihoods through psychosocial support, improve living conditions, and strengthen community support systems. The project provided emergency relief (food, shelter, medical support), psychosocial services, and conditional grants to help refugees start or sustain Income Generating Activities (IGAs).  

Women Power Group in Nairobi’s Kawangware area, fifteen women, fourteen from South Sudan and one from Ethiopia, came together with a shared vision: to build a future of economic independence. But the journey was far from easy. Many arrived with nothing but the weight of their past, scarred by war, financial instability, and emotional wounds that made it difficult to see a way forward. 

JRS stepped in with a holistic approach. The first step was healing. Through group counseling sessions, the women found solace in shared experiences, learning that they were not alone. They processed their trauma, found their voices, and began to rediscover their inner strength.

But healing alone wasn’t enough. JRS provided structured business training, financial literacy workshops, and small grants to help turn their dreams into reality. The women learned how to manage finances, identify business opportunities, and work collectively. With an initial grant of $1,162, they created a savings and loan system, allowing them to invest in their futures.

The Aachen Project had a significant impact on the community by improving the mental health and economic resilience of the beneficiaries. Through psychosocial support, individuals developed positive coping mechanisms, reducing tensions and enhancing social cohesion. The conditional grants and business skills training enabled many refugees to start or revive small businesses, such as selling clothes, running beauty shops, and engaging in online businesses. Economic empowerment helped beneficiaries diversify their income sources, improve their living conditions, and reduce dependency on external aid.

Today, the Women Power Group is a beacon of success. From tailoring services to peanut butter production, their businesses are more than just income streams—they are symbols of resilience. Each member actively contributes to group savings, and within a year, they accumulated $1,448 in interest alone. More than numbers, this financial growth has meant stability: their children go to school, they access better healthcare, and they live with renewed dignity and hope. 

The project filled a critical gap by addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of forcibly displaced individuals, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided a holistic approach by combining psychosocial support with livelihood interventions, which not only improved mental well-being but also enabled economic self-reliance. The project also tackled the lack of access to financial services for refugees by partnering with local banks, allowing beneficiaries to open bank accounts and access loans. This created a sustainable pathway for refugees to rebuild their lives, reducing their vulnerability to future economic shocks and fostering a sense of dignity and empowerment among the displaced population. 

But the impact extends beyond their personal success. As these women heal and grow, their communities transform. They educate their children, support one another, and inspire those around them. What was once a group of displaced individuals is now a powerhouse of change, challenging societal norms and proving that, when given the right opportunities, displaced women can become leaders and architects of their own futures. 

The Women Power Group is living proof that when mental health and livelihoods are addressed together, transformation happens. We believe every displaced woman and child holds immense potential, what they need is a chance to rebuild. 

“Before JRS, I was just trying to survive. Now, I am thriving. I have my own business, I can provide for my children, and I no longer feel alone. We are more than refugees, we are women with dreams, with strength, and with the ability to build something greater.” —Member of Women Power Group 

With continued support, countless more displaced women and children can step into a future filled with hope, dignity, and self-sufficiency. Together, we can create a world where resilience triumphs over hardship and where every woman can rise.