“Refugees Are Not Defined by Their Displacement”: Zainab Iradukunda on Talent, Transformation, and the KATAZA Programme

Zainab Iradukunda is a young refugee from Burundi living in Rwanda and serving as a Growth Guide under the KATAZA Programme at Mahama Camp. This is her story, in her words.

When I was a child, I believed that being a refugee meant I had fewer opportunities than other young people. I thought that because I had been forced to leave my home country, my dreams and ambitions would always be limited. Today, I know that this is not true.

Living in Rwanda has shown Zainab Iradukunda something she had not expected: that refugees can build skills, create opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to their communities — when they are given the chance.

She completed high school in Computer Science and joined the KATAZA Programme, where she received training and support that enabled her to help other young refugees — especially young women and persons with disabilities — access opportunities for economic empowerment.

Supporting Refugees to Become Self-Reliant

Mahama Camp is home to more than 50,000 refugees. Through her role as a Growth Guide, Zainab supports fellow refugees from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and other countries to develop business ideas and connect with financial institutions and SACCOs.

Many programmes that promote financial inclusion do not always reach refugee communities. However, the KATAZA Programme intentionally included refugees and connected us with opportunities that can help us become self-reliant.

A Shift in Mindset

Living in Mahama, a refugee camp with more than 50,000 refugees, presents many challenges. Different cultures and experiences sometimes contribute to harmful social norms and gender-based violence. Through training provided by RWAMREC under the KATAZA Programme, Zainab learned the importance of gender equality, positive masculinity, and power sharing in the household.

These lessons transformed my own mindset and equipped me to support positive change within my refugee community.

Central to that shift was her understanding of women’s economic role.

One of the biggest changes in my life was realising that entrepreneurship and income-generating activities are not only for men. Before, I believed that a woman’s role was mainly limited to household responsibilities. Today, I understand that women can be entrepreneurs, leaders, and decision-makers. This realisation has strengthened my confidence and inspired me to help other young women pursue their ambitions in business through the KATAZA Programme.

Transformation Is Possible

Every day, Zainab witnesses what that change looks like in practice.

Every day, I witness positive changes in Mahama Camp. I see families resolving conflicts, men supporting their wives’ businesses, and young women gaining confidence to participate in economic activities. While challenges remain, these changes show that transformation is possible when people are given the right opportunities and support.

What makes her most proud, she says, is helping young refugees, persons with disabilities, and young women to access finance.

Many have lost economic opportunities because of displacement, but through the KATAZA Programme they are rebuilding confidence and creating new pathways toward financial independence and growth.

Until Everyone Is Safe

On World Refugee Day, Zainab’s message is direct:

As we mark World Refugee Day, I encourage people everywhere to recognise the talent, resilience, and potential that exists within refugee communities. When refugees are given opportunities, they do not only transform their own lives — they also transform the communities around them.