21 Mothers. 21 Histories.
Help us raise $25,000 from August 18 to September 20.
In Goma, conflict has changed nearly every part of daily life. We are working with 21 single mothers who have chosen to tell their stories in their own words.
Your contribution removes the practical barriers preventing these histories from being preserved. It covers transportation, childcare, translation, and a safe interview space.
We collect long-form oral histories, preserve them securely, and turn the archive into practical knowledge.
Collect
We record long-form, trauma-informed oral histories with refugee and internally displaced single mothers and female-headed households.
Archive
We preserve testimonies through secure archival workflows so these histories remain part of the historical record.
Research & Awareness
We develop research and educational materials from archived testimony to document needs, patterns, and protection gaps.
Inform Policy
We share evidence from the archive with partners, educators, researchers, and humanitarian policy teams.
Each country.
Its Own Lab.
Each Story-to-Action Lab is a country-based program for collecting, preserving, and using oral histories with displaced single mothers and female-headed households. The work includes oral history collection, community training, education, research, and policy engagement.
Every Lab is co-run with grassroots partners and local leaders who know the communities we work in. Together, we adapt the archive process to local geography, law, culture, language, safety needs, and available resources.
Operating Regions
Our In-Country Partners
Working hand-in-hand with grassroots organizations to collect oral histories ethically, train community-based teams, and keep country-based work locally grounded.
South Africa
The African Refugee Women-Led Network (ARWNET)
Democratic Republic of the Congo
PCR Foundation
Uganda
Tumaini for Refugee Women
Bangladesh
Ziabul Hossain Foundation
Nigeria
Endam Home of Hope
PCR Foundation, Democratic Republic of the Congo
A reflection on oral history, safety, healing, and the women whose stories are now being preserved internationally.
"Since January 2025, the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has forced countless families from their homes, leaving many women to survive as widows or single mothers while carrying the deep trauma of violence, displacement, and loss. Our partnership with The Refugee Archive has made a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable women in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Through this collaboration, The Refugee Archive interviewed eight single mothers living with trauma caused by conflict, displacement, sexual violence, and loss. For many of them, it was the first time they had spoken openly about their experiences.
The oral history interviews gave these women a safe space to share their pain, begin their healing journey, and have their voices heard internationally. We believe their stories will help others see them not as victims or people marked by shame, but as women of courage whose experiences can inspire hope and understanding.
There are many more women in our communities who need this opportunity. We hope this partnership continues so that more survivors can tell their stories, preserve their histories, and begin healing. We also believe these oral histories will help their children understand that they are not the result of shame, but a testimony to their mothers' resilience and strength."
The Archive Speaks
The Archive Speaks is our oral history series preserving the voices of refugee and internally displaced single mothers in their own words. Each testimony is collected with trusted on-the-ground partners and held with care, context, and dignity.
The Roundtable
An academic discussion space featuring focused interviews with researchers doing fieldwork or publishing dissertations on displacement and humanitarian policy.
Across Archives
An easy-listening conversation series where we feature archivists, humanitarian workers, and global experts discussing field ethics, tactics, and the real work of preserving a story.
Join the Work.
Whether you are a student, researcher, or artist, there is a place for you to contribute to The Refugee Archive.
Education & ProgramsFellowship
Apply for a Student or Young Professional Fellowship, building real skills and showable projects for your resume.
Art Program
Apply for the Art of Oral History Program and become a featured artist for change.
Policy Team
Apply to launch or join a policy analysis team. Learn to publish real insights and research.
The Journal
Submit your paper, research, or report to our annual journal and/or join our editorial board.
Live Events
Join or help organize local panel discussions, community gatherings, and exhibitions to bring oral histories into the public sphere.
Webinars & Podcasts
Hosting a webinar or speaking on our podcast gives students and fellows real experience in public speaking and audience engagement.
Volunteer & Careers
Apply to volunteer or intern remotely with The Refugee Archive. This is real advocacy work with practical support and tangible proof of what you helped build.