Meet Sadia – a medical doctor from Somalia seeking refuge in Cyprus
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we interviewed Sadia, a medical doctor from Somalia, who has recently been granted international protection in Cyprus and is starting to rebuild a new life as an independent woman. Sadia is a medical doctor from...
Meet Maryam, an empowered young woman from Somalia
As we conclude this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, we met with Maryam, a young woman from Somalia who was forced to flee due to female genital mutilation (FGM), a common practice in her homeland. Now a recognised refugee...
Quman, a Somali computer scientist shares her/their personal story of persecution and hope
On the occasion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, UNHCR met with Quman* – a 27-year-old computer scientist from Somalia. Quman’s pronouns are she/they. Quman has experienced homophobic hatred in her/their home country, as well as rejection from...
Recognised refugee from Somalia dreams of a brighter future
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we met Mohammed Ali, a recognised refugee from Somalia. Bright-eyed and mild-mannered, he is a positive and kind person who is eager to achieve his goals, and to help others. Growing up in...
Life moves forward for single mother and survivor of FGM
Nina* was born and raised in Sierra Leone. She endured female genital mutilation (FGM) as a young girl, a strict practice in her homeland. Today she is a recognised refugee in Cyprus, living independently and feeling more positively about the future. When we first met...
Video Story: John is an IT expert from Cameroon
John is an IT expert from Cameroon and a recognised refugee in Cyprus. With access to educational and work opportunities, and help along the way from organisations like Cyprus Refugee Council and the Help Refugees Work initiative, Generation for Change CY and Caritas,...