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Seeking refuge in Rwanda, Burundian refugee woman challenges COVID-19 uncertainty through fish business.

Seeking refuge in Rwanda, Burundian refugee woman challenges COVID-19 uncertainty through fish business.

8 March 2021
“I had to start small, just a small step and keep going.” ©UNHCR/Eugene Sibomana
Domitille, who runs a fish business in Kigali's Gikondo neighborhood, receives different orders over the phone from her customers. Near Rwanda's capital's old industrial zone, the refugee woman has become renowned in COVID-19 for her lake Kivu fisheries known as isambaza.

Women are vital contributors to Rwanda's fishing sector, but they are also underpaid and unrecognized for their contributions to the economy, employment, and food security.

“I earn, on average, four thousand Rwandan francs a day. Of the money, I buy food for my kids, I provide my daily contribution to my saving group and I get some basics needs for my family,” she says.

Domitille fled Bujumbura 5 years ago, as civil unrest raged in Burundi, and found refuge with her family. Thanks to the generosity of Rwanda.

“We were desperate and confused when we arrived in Rwanda. We were welcomed by the UNHCR and the government here, and we are very happy here,” she says. “We found Rwanda to be a nice and safe place; no one says anything negative about you, and you don't have to worry about being killed at night.”

She arrived in a country of asylum with nothing and had no idea where to begin, as do many refugees. Domitille was sheltered and began a small business months after her arrival, thanks to a Rwandan woman who was her neighbour.

“When I first arrived, I was concerned about my future plans. My neighbour helped me with my three children and took care of us for about a year, thanks to God.”

“I had to start small, just a small step

and keep going.”

Domitille was confused, yet she believed that just one small step down the path is all she need to start. “After a year, I decided to start a business, but I wasn't sure what I would sell in this foreign world.” She tried many paths before heading in the right direction.

“I tried buying various kinds of flour and selling them around the neighbourhood, but it didn't work out. Then I ran a 'head-restaurant,' where I had to cook food at home and deliver it to people doing various jobs in the suburb, which didn't work out either,” she says.

Her biggest concern was that she wouldn't be able to return to Burundi due to what she saw there; “they murdered my parents,” she recalls.

Domitille's friend [who had returned to Burundi] told her about a new business selling isambaza, a succulent and popular kind of local small fish from Lake Kivu. She had to start as a street vendor, though.

“I started off with 5,000 Rwandan francs. I purchased 2.5 kilos of isambaza and then sold it out. I made 1,000 RWF and bought food for my kids. The second, third, and fourth days, and so forth, were all very fruitful.”

After a few weeks, the Burundian refugee mother of six [who lives in Rwanda with her three children] had a long list of clients.

She had a high-demand market and wanted to search for space in a neighborhood small market. A rare piece of gold to come across.

She says, "I went to see a friend at the zone market... but I was told: the house is tiny unless you sit outside." “This was not a challenge for me at all. “All I needed was an address.”

“COVID-19 showed no mercy to everyone, 

but we chose to thrive.”

The economic effects of CODI-19 lockdowns in Rwanda made it difficult for women in small businesses to survive. It was much more difficult for refugee mothers with families, such as Domitille.

“Being a refugee mother is challenging enough, but the Coronavirus has made it much harder. In lockdown, I would lie in my house and cry!”

"There were days when we would sit at home and sleep with an empty stomach," she recalls.

Domitille thought aloud what would happen to her children if the crisis persisted. She then opted to serve against all odds in COVID-19's uncertain times as she couldn't imagine returning to Burundi because she was "too afraid."

To help her family, the 53-year-old woman chose to get up at 3 a.m. every morning and walk 18 kilometers to buy fish. Despite this, challenges persisted.

“Not many people were buying, as they had lost their jobs. I might buy a few kilos that could last about two days,” she says.

Domitille’s hard work over months has paid off, enabling her to save money to expand her business and be able to support children’s education.”

“I am able to contribute to my children's schooling. I contribute my daily share to a savings group and cater for my family's basic needs,” she proudly declares.

Domitille adds that the mother’s role in these COVID-19 times is more than just caring for the family. Mothers should teach and protect their children as well.

“In order to tackle Corona, everybody should follow the health precautions that have been put in place. If we do not fear this virus, it will show no mercy. As a mother, I continue to warn my children about the pandemic and to follow the government's directives at all times.”