Strength in every woman: A refugee mother’s journey to empowerment

“Life is different and difficult in Africa; my kids were striving with hunger, and I was struggling to make ends meet. It became more difficult when I lost my husband,” Leah recalls. “Life is not easy, but it’s worth fighting for. My kids are my motivation. They are the reason I wake up every morning with a smile on my face. I know that if I can give them a good education, they will be able to take care of themselves and their families.”

In April 2024, Leah and her youngest child enrolled in the Home Instruction for Parents of Pre-School Youngsters (HIPPY) program at ISANS. It aims to empower parents, particularly mothers, by enhancing their skills to foster their children’s early learning and development at home. She also attended family orientation sessions to better navigate her new life in Canada.

“I want to be a part of the change. I want to be a role model for my kid. I want to show them that if I can do it, they can do it too,” Leah shares her dream. “I have found myself; I am able to navigate the challenges of motherhood more confidently and positively engaging with my children’s development.”

The experiences of refugee mothers like Leah underscore the importance of support programs and community assistance in helping newcomers adapt to life in Canada. These women are not just mothers; they are the backbone of their families and play a crucial role in shaping their children’s future in their new home.

“I have found Leah to be an incredibly strong and determined woman, even if she doesn’t always see it in herself,” Leandri Keeve, Coordinator of HIPPY, recognizes Leah’s strength. This observation highlights the often-overlooked resilience of refugee mothers who face numerous challenges to provide a better life for their families.

Leah’s story is not unique among refugees in Canada. Many newcomers experience similar stages of adjustment, from initial shock and difficulty to gradual adaptation and acceptance. 

The experiences of refugee mothers like Leah underscore the importance of support programs and community assistance in helping newcomers adapt to life in Canada. These programs not only help women like Leah but also contribute to the broader goal of gender equality and women’s empowerment, which is at the heart of International Women’s Day celebrations.

“It’s time we start recognizing the power of every woman. It’s time we start appreciating their efforts, says Leandri. “It’s time we start celebrating their achievements. Because when we do, we will realize that they are not just mothers. They are the creators of life, the nurturers of souls, and the shapers of the future.”

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s crucial to recognize and celebrate refugee mothers’ strength, determination, and contributions. Their journeys from struggle to empowerment serve as inspiring examples of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity and create positive change. These women are not just mothers but the creators of life, the nurturers of souls, and the shapers of the future.

By supporting programs like HIPPY and sharing stories like Leah’s, we invest in the potential of refugee women, accelerating their integration and empowerment in Canadian society. As we pause to acknowledge their strength and contributions, we realize that they are truly the unsung heroes of our society, playing a vital role in building diverse and resilient communities across Canada.