Breaking Barriers Beyond Borders: Ishobora Allen’s Journey from Refugee to Resilient Farmer

This International Women’s Day, the theme ‘Accelerate Action’, calls for urgent steps and efforts to eliminate systemic barriers and biases that impede women’s equality. But for young refugee women like 22-year-old Ishobora Byose Allen, the barriers to equality extend past only gender discrimination – they are compounded by displacement, legal roadblocks, and limited access to education and employment.

Globally, only 6% of refugee women have access to formal employment, and in many host countries, they face legal restrictions, language barriers, and gender discrimination, severely limiting their opportunities. Ishobora stands as a prime example of resilience against these odds, transforming the hardship into tangible change.

A New Beginning: Overcoming Displacement through Agriculture

Fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ishobora arrived in Uganda in 2017 with her parents, hoping for a fresh start. But as a refugee, the odds were stacked against her. In Uganda, over 60% of refugees are women and children, yet only 8% of women have access to formal employment. Without the right skills, networks, or opportunities, many struggle to rebuild their livelihoods. Ishobora not only lacked the income necessary to do so, but also faced challenges with food security, heightened by being part of a big family. Placed in a settlement with limited resources, she and her family of ten, depended entirely on food aid from the World Food Programme (WFP). The periodic rations, known locally as Mupokelo, though essential, were insufficient for Ishobora’s large family, barely meeting their basic needs and making their ongoing struggle even harder.

This is where the Cohere field team stepped in, introducing Ishobora to the RISE-T project, a collaborative initiative supported by Opportunity International, Cohere, OBUL & PHB, and CFYE. Initially, she joined in hopes that it would provide her with immediate financial relief. What she found instead was something far greater: the training and resources to build a sustainable livelihood through farming.

Cultivating Success: Cohere’s Impact

Before joining RISE-T, Ishobora had no farming experience – back in DRC, she had trained in tailoring. But with a lack of access to sewing machines and materials, she had no choice but to find a new way of supporting her family. Agriculture, though unfamiliar, became her path to financial independence.

Organised into small groups, participants were trained in several areas like preparing gardens, selecting the right seeds, planting, weeding, pest control, harvesting, cleaning, drying, and marketing – all of which they transformed from theory to practice in their own gardens at home after each day. They were also provided with seeds, tarpaulins, storage bags, and a weighing scale to help with selling the produce and improve farming activities.

After harvest, the Cohere team facilitated direct links to Turaco Valley Foods, a maize milling company that purchases grain from the participants at above-market prices. This not only provided Ishobora with a steady income but also fostered a sense of community among the group, who trained, saved, and grew together.

At first, it was overwhelming – adjusting her mindset, learning quality standards for buyers, and applying new techniques. But with support of her group and the Cohere team, Ishobora adapted, persisted, and ultimately thrived.

Harvesting Hope: Building a Sustainable Future

Armed with newfound knowledge, Ishobora and her group significantly increased their maize and bean yields using effective planting methods and high-quality seeds. Tools like tarpaulins and pest-resistant storage bags helped preserve food, reducing waste and increasing profitability. Selling the produce became a significant source of income for Ishobora and with her earnings, she invested in chickens and a pig, which now provide food and additional revenue for her and her family. She even saved enough to buy iron sheets to replace the old roof of their family house, improving their living conditions and security.

For Ishobora, the greatest impact of the programme wasn’t just the resources – it was the empowerment through knowledge. She now understands how to be self-reliant and plans to continue her learning curve with modern farming technologies, financial management, and marketing to expand her agribusiness. She also dreams of reconnecting with her tailoring roots in the future, diversifying her income. Most importantly, she’s committed to sharing her knowledge with other young refugee women, ensuring the cycle of empowerment continues.

From Survival to Self-Sufficiency

Ishobora’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of opportunity. Despite being displaced and facing significant challenges as a refugee, she embraced new skills, built a sustainable livelihood, and secured a better future for her family – all through the RISE-T project.

Her message to other young people like herself?

“Sometimes, the opportunities available may not match what you originally trained for but be willing to adapt and gain new skills that can help you earn a living.”

By harnessing knowledge, self-reliance, and community support, Ishobora has paved the way for a more promising future, setting an inspiring example for others on the path to empowerment. Her story is a reminder that when given the right tools and opportunities, refugees are not just survivors, they are changemakers, entrepreneurs, and leaders of their own future.