Manahil | Jesuit Worldwide Learning

“Girls are very disadvantaged in my community, and that is why I want to fight for their rights,” says Manahil.

Originally from Sudan, she and her family arrived in Kakuma Refugee Camp (Kenya) when she was thirteen years old. She wanted to study medicine, but was married at sixteen and became a mother a year later. Belonging to a community that does not favour girls’ education made pursuing her studies a real challenge. But she was determined.

Manahil completed her secondary education, took some computer classes and eventually joined the JWL Diploma programme (which she graduated from in Fall 2020). During her studies, she developed an interest in business management. She elected to join the programme because she enjoys being part of “a diverse student body.” Interacting with students from across the globe.

“We learn their cultures, and they learn ours.”

At the same time, she serves the JWL Kakuma community as a Student Welfare Officer.

The project management skills she has gained are serving her well as part of the Kakuma Hub Global Shapers Community, coming up with projects to assist the community and “be the voice of the refugees in Kakuma.” In response to COVID-19, she is also working on a project with UNHCR on prevention measures and ensuring that accurate updates are shared with the community.

She hopes to be a business entrepreneur in the beauty industry one day and has applied for a degree in Business Management at Southern New Hampshire University. It is equally important to her to support vulnerable persons, starting by running an orphanage. “I want to fight violence, discrimination, tribalism, and advocate for peace in society.”

“My advice to women like me is to grab the opportunities available, do something great in life, and do not fear fighting for what they want because people are unfair. It is [up to] them to fight for their rights.”