From refugee to lawyer: Madiha’s journey to New Zealand

After fleeing Pakistan with her family, Madiha spent five years as a refugee in Indonesia before finally resettling in New Zealand. Today, she is a human rights lawyer, using her experience to support others forced to flee.

A difficult start: Life as a refugee in Indonesia

When Madiha and her family arrived in Indonesia, they registered with UNHCR and began trying to rebuild their lives. Although they were finally safe, life remained difficult. Refugees in Indonesia were not permitted to work or at that time, even attend school, and for Madiha, who had always loved learning, this was particularly hard.

“My siblings and I couldn’t access education while we were in Indonesia,” she says. “That was quite hard for someone like me who always loved going to school.”

Determined to create opportunities for their community, Madiha’s father co-founded a small learning centre for refugee children, offering informal education. At just 14, Madiha stepped forward to teach, turning her frustration into purpose.

“While I personally could not access education and took on more of a teaching role, I could at least offer something useful,” says Madiha. “My parents always instilled in us the value of service and giving back to the community, and that has always stayed with me.”

What began as a small initiative with just 18 students has now grown to support more than 300 refugee children, a testament to the power of hope and community.

Starting over in New Zealand

After half a decade of uncertainty, Madiha and her family were finally resettled in Hamilton, New Zealand.

“We didn’t have any part to play in choosing New Zealand. We were just told that we would be sent there,” says Madiha.

Life in a new country brought its own challenges. While her family spoke English, adapting to a new culture and finding her place was not easy.

“I came to New Zealand quite young, so I often wondered who I was and where I fit into all of this,” says Madiha. “How do I hold on to my identity as a person while also integrating into wider New Zealand society? That was probably the hardest part for me at the time.”

Through this journey, Madiha learned that home is about people and belonging.

“When we left Pakistan, it clicked. Home isn’t necessarily a country or a house, but more about people and family,” she says. “Having people around who feel familiar and warm feels like home.”

In New Zealand, Madiha has built that sense of belonging. She completed her law degree at the University of Waikato and now works in Auckland as a lawyer, advocating for refugee and human rights.

Using her voice to help others

Madiha’s lived experience as a refugee continues to shape her commitment to helping others. Over the years, she has taken on roles in governance, advisory work and legal practice. Whether she is challenging misconceptions about refugees or ensuring their voices are heard, her work is driven by a desire to give back and make a meaningful difference.

“It comes partly from my own lived experience,” says Madiha. “I know exactly how it feels to be in that position – not necessarily having a voice to speak. Now that I do, I want to do something with that voice.”

A message for young refugees

For young refugees who may be struggling to see a way forward, Madiha offers words of hope and encouragement.

“Keep hoping and dreaming. Things will get better. Focus on what you can control, work hard and you will see the results.”

Madiha’s story shows how resilience, determination and opportunity can transform hardship into hope, inspiring others to overcome challenges.

“For myself, I hope to keep advocating for my communities,” says Madiha. “I want to keep working for a better place for all young people from refugee backgrounds and for displaced communities."

“My hope for the world is that no one is forced to flee, and that everyone can find peace and a home where they feel safe.”