International Women’s Day 2024: Ismahan’s Story

Ismahan Abdurrahman Ahmed found herself amidst chaos and conflict, with her dreams of education hanging by a thread. In a moment of great courage, she made the difficult decision to flee her homeland of Yemen and seek refuge in Somalia, a neighboring country that offered safety and hope for a brighter future.

Arriving in Somalia as a refugee, Ismahan faced numerous challenges that tested her resilience and determination. One of the biggest hurdles she encountered was the language barrier. Having grown up speaking Arabic, she struggled to communicate effectively in Somali, the native language of her new host country. Undeterred, Ismahan dedicated herself to learning the Somali language, spending countless hours studying and practicing until she gained proficiency and confidence.

During her language journey, Ismahan's perseverance caught the attention of Windle International Somalia, a renowned organization working to empower refugees through education. Through the DAFI Project sponsored by UNHCR, Ismahan was granted a scholarship, which provided her with the opportunity to pursue her bachelor’s degree studies.

Ismahan enrolled at Jamhuriya University on February 2020, in her first semester Ismahan struggled with the tuition fees, however, she heard DAFI scholarship program from her colleagues that she shared classes with. Fortunately, she applied for DAFI scholarship on July 2020 and was among 2020 successful candidates.

With the scholarship, Ismahan immersed herself in her education, driven by her unwavering commitment and a burning desire to succeed. Despite the challenges she faced as a refugee, she excelled academically, constantly pushing herself to achieve her goals. Her dedication and hard work paid off, and she graduated with flying colors, earning her degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

But Ismahan's journey didn't end there. Driven by her passion for academia, she sought opportunities to contribute to the institution that had supported her throughout her studies. Through her commitment and hard work, Ismahan secured an internship at the university she had graduated from, specifically in the Department of Examinations.

As an intern, Ismahan demonstrated her exceptional skills and work ethic, leaving a lasting impression on her supervisors. Her dedication, attention to detail, and ability to handle complex tasks led to her being offered a permanent position within the department. Ismahan seized this opportunity with gratitude and enthusiasm, recognizing it as a steppingstone towards her future aspirations in the field of education.

Throughout her journey, Ismahan faced not only the language barrier but also a lack of interaction with her Somali peers. However, she remained tenacious and determined to overcome these challenges. She actively engaged in extracurricular activities, participated in student organizations, and initiated social events to foster connections and build bridges with her fellow students. Over time, her efforts paid off as she formed strong friendships and became an integral part of the academic community.

Ismahan's story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit. Her unwavering commitment, hard work, and the support she received from Windle International Somalia and UNHCR through DAFI enabled her to overcome immense challenges and achieve her dreams. Ismahan's journey serves as an inspiration to other refugees and aspiring students, demonstrating that with determination and perseverance, one can overcome adversity and create a better future.

Today, Ismahan continues to positively impact her community, using her education and experiences to uplift others. She serves as a role model, encouraging fellow refugees and students to embrace education as a powerful tool for change. Ismahan's story stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be realized through resilience, hard work, and the support of organizations dedicated to empowering refugees and displaced individuals.