
KYAKA II REFUGEE SETTLEMENT— In the heart of Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, a transformative initiative is changing the lives of displaced women. Alight Uganda’s Women and Girls Safe Spaces (WGSS) project has become a shining example of empowerment, providing economic opportunities, mental health support, and community cohesion
The project’s primary objective is to empower women through economic opportunities, mental health support, and community cohesion. To achieve this, the project has been providing skills training, financial literac,y and psychosocial support to dozens of women in the settlement.
One of the beneficiaries of the project is 18-year-old Nyabizana Neema. Neema says the training she received through the project will enable her to develop and gain self-support in the future.
“The training has been very helpful,” Neema says. “It has given me the skills and confidence I need to start my own business and support myself.”
The project’s focus on economic empowerment has equipped women with practical skills such as tailoring. The women are also provided with access to financial resources through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA).
VSLA is a group-based savings and loan program that allows members to save money and borrow from the group at a low interest rate. The program has been instrumental in helping women in the settlement to access financial resources and start their own businesses.
In addition to economic empowerment, the project has also prioritized mental health support. The project provides women with training in Psychosocial First Aid (PFA). PFA is a technique used to provide emotional support and comfort to individuals who have experienced trauma.

The training has enabled women to address psychological distress, break stigma and build a support network among their peers.
For women like Speciose, a 40-year-old with a disability, the project has been a source of hope and dignity. Speciose said she used to feel worthless due to her disability, but now she is full of friends and freely comes to the women’s center without feeling stigma.
“I am grateful for the project,” says Speciose. “It has given me the confidence and support I need to live a normal life.”
Despite facing challenges such as limited funding and staffing, the project has surpassed its initial goals. The project has directly benefited 110 women and girls and indirectly impacted 56 others.