In 2016, Jane Adili fled South Sudan and found refuge in Zone 3, Village 8 of the Bidi Bidi settlement in Uganda. Life there was a constant struggle for survival. As a mother of two, Jane faced the daunting challenges of food and a lack of shelter. 

On top of that, tensions often flared between the host community and refugees over the limited resources available.

Determined to support her family, Jane began cultivating cassava. “I rented land from the host community," she recalls. "Even though I knew it wasn’t entirely right, I needed something sustainable. I sold the food provided by aid organizations and used the money to rent the land.”

Jane's situation took a positive turn when she joined training programs initiated by CECI, an organization focused on empowering women in peace-building and economic development.

“The training taught us how to resolve conflicts peacefully. "I realized that fighting isn’t a solution. We also formed women-led forums with 15 members, creating a support network for one another.”

Jane Adili

This platform not only helped Jane develop conflict resolution skills but also boosted her confidence to take on a leadership role within her community. Today, she serves as a woman leader on the Refugee Welfare Council I (RWCI) committee for Village 8.

Jane’s women’s group also secured a grant from Oxfam to start small businesses. With this funding, they opened a restaurant serving tea and local foods. “After making profits, we come together as a group to share the earnings. This income has allowed me to continue renting land for farming,” she explains.

In her leadership role, Jane advocates for women to embrace peace and cooperation rather than conflict. She spreads this message through community radio, ensuring that the importance of peaceful coexistence and women’s economic empowerment reaches all corners of the settlement

Tagged with
Oxfam refugee response Refugee empowerment