Roda Alamin, a young Sudanese refugee in Kakuma, Kenya, is turning leadership into action through Women Rise Initiative, empowering women and girls through education, mentorship, leadership development and entrepreneurship.
By: Joseph James Udoh | Columnist | WBN NEWS Africa | September 25, 2026
Roda Alamin, a young Sudanese refugee living in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, is turning personal challenges into a growing commitment to empower women and girls through leadership, education, mentorship and entrepreneurship.
Roda’s leadership journey began not with resources or a formal position, but with learning, belief and the support of people who recognized her potential. One significant step was her participation in the Landmark Forum. Later, Madam Wendy Huffman introduced her to Agent of Change, an experience that broadened her understanding of leadership and encouraged her to take action within her community.
“Leadership is not only about having a position, it is about recognizing challenges around you and choosing to do something about them,” Roda reflects.
Living in Kakuma, she witnessed women and girls facing limited educational and economic opportunities, as well as a lack of spaces where their voices could be recognized. Inspired by Wendy’s mentorship, Roda began volunteering and using writing and storytelling to advocate for women and girls.
She started documenting the journeys of women in leadership to encourage other young women to believe that their circumstances do not have to determine the limits of their dreams.
The journey, however, came with challenges. At times, Roda had to borrow a phone or laptop simply to write, connect and share her stories. Support eventually came from two friends connected through Wendy, who donated a laptop and phone.
For Roda, the devices became more than technology. They became tools for learning, advocacy, communication and opportunity.
Another major milestone came when she attended the Stakeholders Summit in Nairobi.
The experience introduced her to people working in leadership, development and social impact and helped broaden her understanding of what was possible.
Today, that journey has grown into Women Rise Initiative, a women-led organization focused on empowering women and girls through education, leadership, mentorship and entrepreneurship.
“What began with one young refugee woman borrowing devices to tell stories has grown into a commitment to create opportunities for many other women and girls.”
Roda remains grateful to Wendy Huffman and those who supported her journey. Their encouragement helped her see possibilities beyond her circumstances.
“Sometimes change begins when one person believes in you. Leadership begins when you use that belief to create opportunities for others.”
For Roda, the journey continues, not simply to advance personally, but to help more women and girls rise alongside her. Her story offers a hopeful reminder that when opportunity, mentorship and determination come together, one person’s journey can become a source of possibility for many others.
🖇️ LinkedIn
WBN Global News Desk
📩 newsdesk@wbnn.news The advantage---
TAG: #Roda Alamin #Kakuma #Women Rise #Women Leaders #Leadership #Empowerment #Refugee Voices #WBN Africa #Africa Edition #WBN Africa News #WBN News Africa #Update #Africa