"I feel that I and the camera are inseparable. Wherever I go, it must be." Ten years ago, Hamida was forced to start her life again after her family left Syria due to conflict.

Abigail is a beautician who runs a hairdressing and beauty salon in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria. But for her, the journey has not been easy. 

Kristine left her home in Latvia with her family six years ago. Today, she lives with her husband and two children in Nuremberg, Germany and is proud to provide a better life for them through her small business.

Since Astra's community in Cameroon has been struck by violence and turmoil, she was inspired to open her own restaurant. She takes pride in bringing people together to relax and socialize through food.

After losing her brother and baby due to conflict in Cameroon, Fadi is rebuilding her life by setting up her shop. Now her business is the only one in the village run by a woman.

Yaouba is a farmer and businessman based in Cameroon. Since severe flooding destroyed both his home and farm in 2022, he's been rebuilding and preparing for the next rainy season.

  "What I have managed to do has brought life back to our family.” Ala’a is the third generation in her family to own a vegetable shop in Lebanon, but economic challenges made it difficult for business. With support from The IRC and Citi Foundation, Ala’a is running a successful business and can support her family.