As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, the inspiring story of Nyagai Jal (Angelina) stands as a powerful testament to the resilience, determination, and transformative potential of women when given opportunities to thrive. A 40-year-old refugee, mother of five, foster parent to over 15 children, and a leader in her community, Nyagai is one of our heroines who exemplifies strength, courage, and empowerment calling on women everywhere to rise and lead.
Fleeing conflict in South Sudan, Nyagai arrived in Uganda in 2018 with her family and resettled in Village 6, Omugo Zone, Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement. Struggling with the challenges of displacement, she also grappled with low self-esteem, fear, and a sense of powerlessness. Yet today, she stands tall as a leader, teacher, and champion for women’s rights.
Nyagai’s path to leadership began when she participated in a CEFORD training funded by Oxfam Belgium. Recognizing her dedication and potential, her community nominated her as a member of the Gender and Protection Committee (GPC). This pivotal role became the foundation of her remarkable journey. The fear that once silenced her gave way to confidence and an unyielding commitment to serving her community.
She deepened her engagement through the Women and Youth Resilience Project (WAYREP), funded by the Austria Development Corporation through CARE International in Uganda and implemented by CEFORD. She became a SASA activist and a women’s rights advocate, championing gender equality and community development. Her dedication and leadership led to her election as the Refugee Welfare Council 2 (RWC 2) Women’s Representative in Omugo Zone. Additionally, she took on roles as a nursery school teacher and, more recently, as a Social Analysis and Action (S.A.A) facilitator for her village under the Gender Equality and Resilience (GEAR) project, funded by Austrian Development Cooperation through CARE International in Uganda. Reflecting on her transformation, Nyagai shares:
“I used to fear when men gathered in one place, but these days I don’t fear anymore. I approach them and talk about issues affecting our community. At first, some opposed me, saying I was a woman and couldn’t advise them, but now they seek my counsel and even offer me a chair to sit on. The community believes in me. When I return from training, they ask me to share what I’ve learned. I thank CEFORD & CARE for empowering me to be who I am today. I now understand their vision of an empowered community. I hope more women like me are given this chance.”
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” deeply resonates with Nyagai Jal’s story. From a woman silenced by fear to a respected leader advocating for gender equality, she exemplifies the power of inclusion and the importance of challenging stereotypes. Her journey serves as a reminder that investing in women’s potential doesn’t just uplift individuals—it strengthens entire communities. Nyagai’s transformation has been acknowledged by Emau Michael from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in Omugo Zone:“I want to sincerely thank CEFORD for transforming Nyagai Jal. I am a witness to her journey. She was once shy and reserved, unable to speak in community meetings. But through CEFORD’s training, she has become a confident leader and the RWC 2 Women’s Representative.”
Today, we honor Nyagai and countless other women who rise against the odds to become leaders, teachers, and changemakers in their communities. Their resilience and determination continue to inspire generations and drive the movement toward a more inclusive and equitable world.
CEFORD in partnership with CARE International in Uganda with funding from the Austrian development Agency through CARE Austria is implementing a five years project starting from April 2024 to March 2029. The Gender Equality and Resilience Project (GEAR) has an overall goal to empower marginalized women, girls, and youth (15-59, with a focus on 15-35 years) to be more self- reliant and live in a responsive and inclusive environment in Northern Uganda and Eastern Rwanda. In Arua city, the project is implemented in the central division (former Oli division) and in Terego it is implemented in Omugo sub county targeting Ugandan nationals and South Sudanese refugees in Omugo zone, an extension of Rhino camp refugee settlement.
