On Saturday, March 29th, 2025, the Executive Director of the Integrated Refugee Organization (IRO), Donatien Niyongendako, was honored to join an inspiring gathering hosted by INAMAHORO Movement in Kampala. This meeting brought together Burundian women refugees striving to navigate the challenges of displacement while seeking sustainable livelihoods and empowerment. It was organized in the framework of the International Women’s Day (2025). INAMAHORO Movement members were gathered under the theme “Celebrating the ”WID” while empowering our growth”!
During his address, Donatien shared the history of IRO, highlighting its journey from a small initiative to a recognized organization advocating for refugee rights and resilience. He elaborated on the organization’s core work, which includes providing education support for vulnerable refugee children, enhancing digital resilience for human rights defenders, and supporting exiled activists and journalists. He emphasized that IRO’s growth has been driven by its unwavering commitment to community-centered solutions and collaboration with various partners.
A key focus of the discussion was IRO’s fundraising strategy and social media usage. Donatien outlined the importance of strategic networking, partnerships, and proposal writing in securing resources. He encouraged the women of INAMAHORO Movement to start small but dream big, stressing that persistence and collaboration are crucial in overcoming financial constraints. He also highlighted the role of community engagement in ensuring the sustainability of any initiative.
He emphasized the power of collective effort in tackling challenges, encouraging them to support one another in their entrepreneurial journeys. Many of the women present expressed aspirations to start small businesses but faced barriers such as limited capital, lack of market access, and fear of failure. Donatien acknowledged these challenges and shared strategies for overcoming them, including forming saving groups, pooling resources, and leveraging digital platforms for marketing and networking.
Donatien urged the attendees to see entrepreneurship not just as a means of survival but as a tool for empowerment, financial independence, and long-term stability. He emphasized that every business, no matter how small, has the potential to grow with determination and the right support system. He encouraged them to take bold steps, embrace learning opportunities, and utilize available resources to transform their ideas into thriving enterprises.
The meeting ended on a high note, with the women feeling motivated and empowered to take control of their future. Donatien reiterated IRO’s commitment to supporting refugee-led initiatives and fostering a spirit of resilience within the community. The event served as a reminder that when women refugees unite, they can overcome barriers and create lasting change.
As IRO continues to advocate for and support refugee communities, it remains dedicated to empowering individuals to rise above their circumstances and build sustainable futures. The engagement with INAMAHORO Movement is yet another step in strengthening the resilience of women refugees and ensuring their voices are heard.
