From War Survivor to Global Advocate: How Rebecca Deng Transformed Trauma into Purpose and Power

The following episode is not just about a story of survival—this is a story of profound resilience, of rising from the ashes of unimaginable hardship and emerging stronger, more empowered, and with a deep sense of purpose.

Our guest Rebecca Deng’s life is a testament to the human spirit's ability to thrive, even after the darkest of times.

Rebecca Deng has lived through what most of us can’t even begin to imagine. At just four years old, her life was torn apart by the Second Sudanese Civil War. Her peaceful village in South Sudan became a battlefield, and she found herself on a harrowing journey of survival.

The Second Sudanese Civil War was an incredibly violent conflict that spanned 22 years. It involved child soldiers, slavery, mass atrocities, and the deaths of over two million people. The scale of destruction and suffering is nearly incomprehensible. For Rebecca Deng, however, this war was not a distant or abstract event—it was her reality. Forced to flee her home, Rebecca lived in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya for nearly a decade, before she became one of the Lost Girls of Sudan. Of the 4,000 Sudanese refugees granted resettlement in the United States, only 89 were girls, making Rebecca’s journey both extraordinary and rare.

In her remarkable memoir, What They Meant for Evil, Rebecca takes us through the unimaginable terror of her childhood, but even more importantly, she shows us the incredible power of resilience, hope, and faith. Her story is one of survival, about reclaiming identity, finding purpose, and transforming pain into a force for good.

Today Rebecca will share her extraordinary journey with us, discussing how she navigated trauma, found strength through faith, and became a powerful advocate for refugees and women around the world. Her insights on how to choose kindness and goodness even after witnessing the worst of humanity offer a profound lesson for all of us, especially in times of adversity.

I am deeply honored to bring you this conversation with Rebecca Deng—her story is one of the most compelling examples of the human spirit’s ability to heal, forgive, and inspire change.

Episode highlights:

01:29 Life in Kakuma Refugee Camp

01:50 Rebecca's Memoir and Resilience

05:35 Finding Hope Amidst Darkness

11:45 The Role of Faith in Overcoming Trauma

24:51 Navigating Cultural Identity

32:43 The Transformative Power of Education

35:44 The Power of Critical Thinking and Open-Mindedness

36:36 The Role of Education in Shaping Perspectives

37:06 Personal Reflections on Education and Learning

38:00 The Second Sudanese Civil War: A Personal Perspective

39:52 International Community's Role in Conflict Resolution

42:42 Challenges Faced by Women and Girls in Conflict Zones

49:31 Advocating for Refugees and Policy Changes

58:17 The Importance of Forgiveness in Healing

01:05:48 Hopes and Future for South Sudan

01:10:42 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Resources mentioned:

UNICEF profile on Rebecca Deng

What They Meant for Evil by Rebecca Deng

Guest's social handles:

Facebook

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When we help heal One, we help heal All.

Much gratitude and love.

Yours,

Ariane