“We created RefuSHE to be a model for protection, empowerment, and peace-building in Kenya and beyond.” 
– Anne Sweeney, RefuSHE Co-founder

Through their extensive work with refugee communities in East Africa, co-founders Anne Sweeney & Talyn Good saw that the most vulnerable refugees – separated and orphaned girls and young women –  often fell through the gaps of protection and became invisible. Understanding the risk of exploitation and abuse facing refugee girls in Kenya and in their home countries, Anne & Talyn wanted to take action. They set out to create a one-of-a-kind community for young, refugee women to learn, grow, and become leaders in their own right.

In 2008, they launched RefuSHE, then Heshima Kenya, in that vision. Anne & Talyn founded RefuSHE as an innovative solution within the global refugee crisis – an organization built on the principle that every young woman deserves opportunity.

Over a decade later, RefuSHE has served thousands of women, girls, children, and infants through our holistic model. We are the first and only organization dedicated to refugee girls in Kenya. RefuSHE’s programs have grown alongside the young women we serve, ensuring that our organization is for and by them.

The full spectrum of care for refugee girls.

Our award-winning holistic model provides short and long-term support through opportunities for refugee girls to access their human rights, experience economic success and skill development, and become leaders in their own communities.