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Justin Harnish
- Apr 7, 2018
- 2 min
The Girl Who Smiled Beads: A Story of War and What Comes After
“Affecting and utterly eye-opening, The Girl Who Smiled Beads is a powerful reminder of just how strong and indomitable the human spirit can be.” — Bustle Women of the World believes in the power of stories: to heal, to detail our humanity, and to hope. In Clemantine Wamariya’s story of seeking refuge (she fled Rwanda at age six with her elder sister) and resettlement (eventually in Chicago), we get all of this and more, a courageous voice that is a force to be reckoned with.
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Justin Harnish
- Jun 25, 2017
- 5 min
Josephine’s Journey: Refugee from Congo Finds Hope, Home in Utah
Josephine’s Journey Three thousand miles. That’s how far Josephine walked through the jungle to escape the bloody civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo to reach South Africa. Three thousand miles. Three months in the jungle. By herself. No shoes, no clothes besides the ones on her back, no food. Sleeping on the ground. Jungle animals she could hear but not see, their calls echoing in the darkness. Snakes everywhere. Hard to close her eyes when danger surrounded her, y
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Justin Harnish
- May 15, 2017
- 6 min
Mashallah: Refugee Women Express Gratitude to WoW Case Manager Abby Bossart
Refugee women thank Abby for her help. Abby shares a special moment with a friend she’s made working here at Women of the World. Women share stories about how Abby has helped them during her time here. The refugee women who visit Women of the World’s office come with different stories, different burdens, and different challenges, but they all seem to have one thing in common: their heartfelt appreciation and affection for case manager Abby Bossart. When Abby arrived at Women
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Justin Harnish
- Mar 14, 2017
- 3 min
Women of Courage Concert
In the concert “Women of Courage” there is an unveiling of a monument of words and song. We dedicate our transcendental selves to reverence for those that nurtured our better future. A friend has dedicated a wall of her living room to her heroes. Each time she walks by, she feels infused by their courage. Wanting to honor and remember the courage of their own heroes, two Salt Lake artists, composer Mary Lou Prince and lyricist Patty Willis, have created a monument of words an
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Justin Harnish
- Jan 29, 2017
- 6 min
From Burundi to Utah: Cosette’s Story
We’d like you to meet Cosette. Her story is one of courage, resilience, and unfailing optimism. From her childhood in a Rwandan refugee camp, to her family’s struggles in their native Burundi, to her journey to the United States to start a new life, she has consistently met each challenge with strength, conviction, and heart. A Short History of Burundi Cosette’s family is originally from Burundi, a small country in East Africa. Most Burundians belong to one of three major eth
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Justin Harnish
- Dec 18, 2016
- 3 min
Because We All Need Hope
The images that flash across my computer today are all too familiar. Men, women, and children, their fear-drawn faces smeared with dirt and sunken with exhaustion, fleeing. Unimaginable horror and destruction everywhere. No time to think, no real path to safety. Bombs, soldiers, cheering …. from where? Who could be cheering this nightmare? Cold-blooded executions of civilians, Facebook and Twitter farewells, a once-beautiful city reduced to rubble. Aleppo, Syria, today. Saraj
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Justin Harnish
- Nov 2, 2016
- 1 min
KBYU Community Connections Invites WoW Founder to Discuss Refugee Celebration
In the coming weeks, Women of the World will be featured on KBYU’s (Channel 11 locally) Community Connections program. Founder and Executive Director, Samira Harnish, speaks about the needs of the female refugee population, the programs and successes of Women of the World, and the upcoming event entitled the 6th Annual Celebration of Refugee Women’s Success. Below is KBYU’s YouTube Channel interview with Samira Harnish. Women of the World is proud of both our ladies and of ou
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Justin Harnish
- Aug 11, 2016
- 1 min
Episode 4: August ’16 Refugee Podcast with Chantelle from Congo
Today we visit with Chantelle whose infectious positivity will infect you with hope for a better tomorrow. Chantelle is an inspirational mother, one who is constantly striving to better herself to ensure her children have all of the advantages that she never had. Women of the World’s refugee podcast is a place where ‘our ladies’ can share their stories and aspirations and where we can highlight activities important to refugees and service providers in Salt Lake City, Utah and
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Justin Harnish
- Apr 4, 2016
- 2 min
Stories of Courage – Zaina Kaboi
“Thank you mama.” If you ever have the pleasure of interacting with Zaina you are sure to hear this phrase multiple times. Zaina is from Congo and came to Salt Lake City 5 years ago as a widow. When I first met Zaina she immediately embraced me, a complete stranger. Even though she can only mutter a few words in English her loving personality and optimistic presence speak loudly. Upon first meeting her I noticed that she could barely walk due to a complication with a surgery
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Justin Harnish
- Mar 4, 2016
- 2 min
Stories of Courage – Mu Say
When I first called Mu Say to ask if I could write a short story about her and take her picture, she answered me quietly and in almost perfect English, “I am sorry but can you repeat that? I don’t speak English.” I knew right at that moment she was being overly modest. Mu Say was born in Burma but spent 18 years at a refugee camp in Thailand, where her son was born. Mu Say arrived in Utah on a snowy day in March. “It was so cold and so much snow! In my country there is no sno
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Justin Harnish
- Feb 3, 2016
- 1 min
Stories of Courage – Kaltum Mohammad
A spice for life! When I first met Kaltum I remember being amazed at how passionate she was about spices, flavors, and all things cooking. I also remember how willing she was to share her delightful dishes with everyone! She knows how to take charge and make the most out of every situation. Her lively energy and determination will take her far, not only in the restaurant industry, but also in life. #successstories #stories #personalstory #storiesofrefugeecourage #storiesofcou
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Justin Harnish
- Jan 4, 2016
- 1 min
Stories of Courage – Chantal Munyamanzi
Genuine strength. Chantal is an incredibly strong single woman of two beautiful daughters. Even through the most difficult of times her positive attitude prevails. She always acts according to her morals and is never looking for the easy way out. As her great smile indicates, she is also always up for a good laugh. She is incredibly hardworking and therefore has created a great life for her daughters and for herself. She knows the value of education and hopes to go back to sc
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