My name is Rahwa, a 25-year-old Ethiopian refugee currently residing in Belgium. My journey has been shaped by both the comforts of a peaceful childhood in Ethiopia and the challenges of war and displacement. Growing up in a loving family, I enjoyed a stable life and pursued my education, earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing while working as a flight attendant for Ethiopian Airlines for nearly five years. In 2021, the outbreak of war in the Tigray region of Ethiopia upended my life. The conflict claimed countless lives, displaced millions, and left vital services in ruins. I was imprisoned due to my ethnic identity but managed to escape and seek refuge in Belgium. Witnessing the lack of awareness about the crisis in Tigray, I became determined to advocate for justice and amplify the voices of those suffering. In 2023, I was crowned Miss Black Belgium, a platform I have used to raise awareness about the atrocities in Tigray, particularly the plight of women and children. I have organised protests in Brussels in collaboration with the Association of Tigrayan Unity in Belgium, calling for justice and empowerment. My firsthand experiences with war and displacement have fuelled my passion for advocacy and my commitment to ensuring that such suffering is not forgotten. Volunteering with Universal Youth Alliance aligns with my mission to promote youth empowerment and justice globally. I am eager to bring my resilience, empathy, and dedication to support initiatives that empower marginalised communities and foster understanding. My journey has taught me the profound value of empowering young people, and I am determined to make a tangible difference in the world by advocating for the fundamental rights of youth to thrive and lead.