WOW helps refuge women and girls in Utah

Nearly half of the approximately 65,000 refugees currently living in Utah are women and children. Youth from refugee backgrounds face unique challenges when adjusting to life in the United States. Samira Harnish, founder and executive director of Women of the World helps refugee women and girls find opportunity in Utah.

“The best part of my job is when I see the women smiling because they reached were they wanted to be,” Samira said. “I love when they smile in my face, and their thoughtful prayers and when they say thank you. Like I said my payment is their success that’s what I love about it.

“I tell them ‘don’t stop dreaming. Don’t. Dream big and you will reach it one step at a time.’ I want them to be patient and not to stop. I want you to go on and to reach your dreams because they are going to reach it. Just like I reached mine.”