About Me
Building ideas with communities in Africa
I'm Ishimwe Jean Marie
Mediapreneur • Builder • Refugee Advocate
I’m a journalist and refugee advocate with over seven years of experience in the humanitarian sector, advocating for refugee leadership and inclusive governance across Africa.
My journey is deeply rooted in my experiences as a refugee in Kenya. Having faced challenges in accessing identity documentation, I understand firsthand the barriers refugees face.
I currently serve as the East Africa Regional Lead for R-SEAT, where I work to institutionalise meaningful refugee participation and leadership across the region.
My Journey
My work is deeply shaped by lived experience. Growing up as a refugee in Kenya, I encountered systemic barriers that limited access to identity, opportunity, and participation. These experiences continue to inform my commitment to building systems that are inclusive, fair, and community-led.
Over the years, I have worked across media, advocacy, and community organizing to challenge dominant narratives that exclude refugee voices. I believe that those closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions.
Today, my work focuses on bridging the gap between communities and institutions, ensuring that policies, programs, and decisions are shaped by the people they impact.
My Philosophy
Community First
Solutions should be designed with communities, not for them.
Inclusive Systems
Policies must reflect the voices of those most affected.
African Solidarity
A Pan-African approach is key to sustainable inclusion.
Core Expertise
Strategic Advocacy
Driving policy changes and advocating for refugee inclusion and leadership at regional and international levels.
Fundraising & Partnerships
Building sustainable relationships with donors, stakeholders, and institutions to secure resources for community-led initiatives.
Moderation & Facilitation
Guiding high-level discussions, panels, and community workshops to ensure inclusive, safe, and actionable dialogues.
Organizations I've Worked With
R-SEAT
Advancing meaningful refugee participation in state and global governance systems.
Youth Voices Community
Empowering young refugee leaders through advocacy, media, and capacity-building.
Naweza
Collaborating to amplify marginalized voices and foster long-term community resilience.
Inkomoko
Supporting refugee entrepreneurs with business development and financial inclusion strategies.
What Drives My Work
I am driven by the belief that dignity, inclusion, and opportunity should not be privileges, but rights. My work is about shifting power, redefining narratives, and building systems that truly reflect the voices of communities.
Whether through advocacy, storytelling, or partnerships, I aim to create spaces where communities are not just represented — but leading.
