#EveryID has a story – and here is Fardowsa’s:
Fardowsa, 20, arrived in Uganda as a refugee in 2001 and grew up at the Nakivale settlement. She was issued her first refugee ID from the Government of Uganda when she turned 18. With her refugee ID, she was able to open a bank account and register a SIM card, and she qualified for a 50% scholarship at the International University of East Africa in Kampala, where she studies business and marketing. These opportunities have enabled and equipped her to start a fashion business.
On her refugee ID, Fardowsa said, “It helps me to realize my dreams because I am already getting access to my education. I learned digital skills, which gave me the idea to have my own business where I can sell my clothes on social media platforms.”
Providing refugees with IDs not only helps them to exercise their rights and access essential services, but it also enables refugees to participate in and contribute to the local economy.
The World Bank Group’s Identification for Development (ID4D) initiative uses helps countries realize the transformational potential of digital identification systems for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We work closely with UNHCR and other partners to help refugees and IDPs get IDs that protect and empower them. To find out more about ID4D’s work, visit http://id4d.worldbank.org/
