My Name is Elizabeth Ebila. I am Congolese who has been living in Kakuma Refugee Camp for the last 15 Years. I am also the founder of Elizabeth Beauty Salon and Elizabeth Beauty and Art Hub in Kakuma Refugee Camp.
To me, safety means having the opportunity to be independent, resilient, and able to make decisions about my own future. As a young refugee woman, safety is not only about protection from harm, it is also about access to education, skills, employment and economic opportunities that allow us to live with dignity.
One of my greatest achievements has been creating a safe space where young people, refugees, and members of the host community can discover and develop their hidden talents and skills. Throughout my journey, I have learned that empowering others creates stronger and safer communities.
In many cultures, people still believe that young women should stay at home get married and raise children. However, times are changing. Today young women are making a positive impact and giving back to their communities through leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation.
At the age of 21, I started my beauty salon. What began as a dream of one person has now grown into Elizabeth Beauty and Art Hub, where we provide practical skills training for women, young girls, teenage mothers, and school dropouts. Through this hub, we help women gain skills, build confidence, and access employment opportunities through this journey I have been able to join the Amahoro fellowship cohort 3 the journey that brings around young change makers we network, learn, build, and change to a productive outcome.
For me, safety also means economic inclusion. When women and girls have skills, jobs, and income, they become more independent can support their families, and are less vulnerable to poverty and other risks. By creating employment opportunities for women, we are building a safer and more empowered community.
My vision is to continue creating opportunities that empower women and young people, helping them become self-reliant, confident, and active contributors to society, through skills development and economic empowerment, we can create a future where every girl feels safe, valued, and capable of achieving her dreams.
To the Kenyan Government, I owe my gratitude for the enabling environment to allow us create opportunities for self-reliance.
