The Finnish Refugee Council has selected Petronille Mukandora from Rwanda as the Ugandan Refugee Woman of the Year 2024. With this nomination, FRC wants to recognise the valuable work Petronille has done to contribute significantly to the well-being and social transformation of her community. At the same time, the award highlights an encouraging example of resilience and perseverance by a woman of refugee background. Petronille’s story is not just a story of survival, it’s a story of transformation: She turned her pain into purpose, and in doing so, changed the lives of countless others.
Petronille is a 60-year-old mother of three who has experienced many hardships in her life. After fleeing conflict in Rwanda, she found herself in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda, in 2019. Petronille was left a widow and solely responsible for the care of a disabled child.
A support group transforms the lives of women in a refugee camp
Raising a disabled child in a refugee camp had its challenges, which prompted Petronille to bring together mothers in a similar situation. In 2020, she founded the Wenzetu support group, which means “Our Own” in Swahili. The group aimed to serve as a safe space for women to share their fears and feelings of frustration. But soon the activity grew into something much more.
Talking was a start. But soon I realized these women needed skills to help them earn money and regain a sense of dignity, Petronille reflects.
So, she expanded Wenzetu’s mission. The group began offering training in craft-making, farming, and formed a Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA). Through these efforts, many women found their footing, starting small businesses that brought in income and hope. Wenzetu isn’t just about survival; it’s about creating a community where women uplift each other.
– My life and my family’s life have changed because of Wenzetu, says a woman after receiving training in business skills and opening her own tailoring shop.
In the future Petronille dreams of a children’s hospital and more visibility for refugee women
Petronille’s vision doesn’t stop here. She dreams of growing Wenzetu into a specialized hospital, where disabled children in the region can receive professional care. She wants to reach more women, more mothers, more caretakers—anyone who feels they have no one to turn to. Petronille also hopes to share the beautiful crafts made by the women of Wenzetu with the world, showcasing their talents and stories.
As the Refugee Woman of the Year, Petronille reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is always a spark of hope waiting to be ignited.
Petronille’s advice to her fellow refugees is simple but powerful:
– Don’t wait for others to change your life. Learn to do something for yourself.
As the Refugee Woman of the Year in Uganda, Petronille is a shining example of what one person can achieve with determination, compassion, and a heart full of love. After all she experienced, she was able to channel all the struggles into something extraordinary for her community.
The Finnish Refugee Council has been selecting the Refugee Woman of the Year in Uganda since 2019. Read also the story of Sa Myer Oo, the Finnish Refugee of the Year 2024 on our website.