Only 16% of 3D artists are women— even fewer come from refugee camps. So how did Zuwena beat the odds to land paid 3D modeling gigs from Europe?
Zuwena Hussein.
In 2024, female 3D modelers are still a rare sight in the industry. Hard to believe?
Here’s the reality: According to Zippia, out of 5,436 3D artists working in the United States, only 16.1% are women. The other 83.9%? Men.
Now, think about that for a moment. In a country where technology and education are within reach for most, women are still vastly underrepresented.
So what does that mean for refugee women in places like Kakuma Refugee Camp?
Zuwena listening keenly during a 3D modelling training session.
In Kakuma, the challenges stack up fast—especially if you're a young woman dreaming of a career in 3D modeling.
Picture this: you’re in a place where electricity is as unpredictable as the weather, the internet is a rare luxury, and the idea of ‘higher education’ feels like something out of a far-off fantasy. Just getting your hands on a computer is a victory in itself.
But it doesn’t stop there.
For many women in Kakuma, life is a constant juggling act—taking care of family, handling household chores, and trying to carve out a future in a place where opportunities are few and far between.
And then, imagine wanting to step into a field like 3D modeling, where men dominate and tech know-how is key. It seems almost impossible, right?
The barriers are everywhere—limited resources, cultural norms that don’t always support women’s ambitions, and a world that’s quick to underestimate what they can do.
Yet, despite these seemingly insurmountable odds, there are women like Zuwena.
Zuwena’s life before the creative gateway:
In a place where so many obstacles could have held her back, Zuwena saw them as challenges to overcome.
Imagine being 19 years old and the fifth of 12 siblings, living in a refugee camp far from your homeland. This has been Zuwena Hussein’s reality since 2009, when she and her family arrived in Kakuma Refugee Camp after fleeing Burundi.
Settling into the camp came with its own set of challenges. With Zuwena’s parents unable to secure formal employment, the responsibility to support the family falls on everyone who can contribute.
Picture a household where every member who can work takes on any job they can find—small trades, odd jobs, anything that might help put food on the table. With such limited opportunities, even the smallest tasks can become crucial lifelines.
After high school, Zuwena was left staring at a blank future. She’d finished her studies, but with no clear path forward, her days began to blur together. Her days were a waiting game, filled with uncertainty about how to move forward and where to find the next opportunity.
For Zuwena, the struggle wasn’t just about finding a job—it was about finding a way to make her dreams come true while supporting her family.
Her downtime felt like a heavy weight, pressing down on her and fueling her determination to find something that could change her life and her family’s. She knew she had the potential; she just needed a chance to show it.
In Kakuma, where opportunities are often few and far between, staying hopeful requires more than just dreaming big; it means keeping your ear to the ground for any chance to break free from the cycle of waiting.
That’s why when the Creative Gateway began recruiting its first cohort of students, Zuwena was among the first to jump at the chance.
She didn't just join; she threw herself into it with everything she had. Every class she attended was a step closer to her dreams. And soon enough, her hard work paid off—within months, she was landing her first remote gig.
Paid 3D modelling remote gig #1: From Training to Real-World 3D Modeling
The Opportunity:
For Zuwena, who had just graduated from her training, this project was an exciting leap into the professional world.
“I had so many doubts before starting my first assignment. What if my work wasn’t good enough? But deep down, I knew I had to try.”
- Zuwena
The Assignment brief: Designing a photorealistic weaved chair and its table
Zuwena’s first assignment was to design a photorealistic weaved chair and table for an individual client. Initially, the task of capturing the intricate texture of the woven chair felt overwhelming. However, after discussing with her client, she focused on the table instead, adding a box lamp on top.
The outcome:
Photorealistic 3D-rendered woven table created by Zuwena.
This project was her debut into the professional 3D modeling world, testing her precision and creativity in translating a detailed design into a realistic model. For Zuwena, it was a a major opportunity to showcase her skills and establish her place in the industry.
Compensation:
From this project, Zuwena earned 2,500 Kenyan Shillings, roughly €18. This marked her first income from skills she had only recently begun to learn, giving her a significant confidence boost and providing essential financial support as she continued to develop her career.
Client’s comments:
"Knowing Zuwena was just starting out and coming from a challenging background, I expected to be a bit flexible with the project. I treated this as a chance for her to learn and grow, so I kept my instructions as clear and simple as possible. Zuwena was very receptive to feedback and followed the directions well. It’s great to see her progress and put in the effort to make this work."
— Client, Business owner
Paid 3D modelling remote gig #2: A Breakthrough with Studio Exakt
The Opportunity:
Zuwena's talent caught the eye of Studio Exakt, a top-notch design firm on the lookout for fresh talent to spark their next big ideas. Partnering with our students was a no-brainer for them—especially since Studio Exakt had already been instrumental in shaping our very first 3D modeling course.
The Assignment brief: Designing a 3D model of a part of a vending machine for Studio Exakt.
Zuwena took on an intriguing challenge: designing a 3D model of a part of a vending machine for Studio Exakt. Her role was to craft a detailed and functional component, which the company would then bring to life with 3D printing and texturing.
As Zuwena puts it:
“My work was to model the part of the vending machine. The company will handle the 3D printing and texturing, so this isn't the final result. I’m still waiting to see the finished product and understand how it all comes together.”
The outcome:
3D-rendered vending machine part by Zuwena Hussein, a 3D modeling student at Kakuma Refugee Camp
Zuwena’s work on the vending machine project quickly became her favorite. The task was both challenging and time-consuming, stretching her skills in ways she hadn’t anticipated. But the result was a 3D model that not only met but exceeded expectations.
Beyond the impressive paycheck, which was more than she had hoped for, Zuwena gained invaluable experience. Working alongside seasoned 3D modelers like Isac Lindberg and the Studio Exakt team, she picked up numerous tips and tricks that enriched her skills and boosted her confidence.
Zuwena’s two-week gig with Studio Exakt earned her 200 euros, a figure that was a game-changer for her. To put it in perspective, this amount was at least six times more than what she typically made in a month before.
This income didn’t just provide a welcome financial boost; it helped ease the daily struggles of life in Kakuma Refugee Camp. With this money, Zuwena could invest in better resources for her work and education, making a real difference in her family’s life and fueling her pride and sense of achievement.
Paid remote gig #3: Zuwena 's leap into the Metaverse with XR Presence
The Opportunity:
Zuwena’s third gig was with XR Presence, a company well-known for hiring freelancers, and this time, she was stepping into the future. The challenge? To create something that wouldn’t just occupy physical space but would come to life in a digital universe where imagination merges with cutting-edge technology.
The Assignment Brief: Turning a chair into a metaverse marvel
Zuwena was asked to design a 3D model of a sleek designer chair—a project that challenged her to move beyond traditional design and explore the endless possibilities of the metaverse.
The outcome:
3D-rendered office chair designed by Zuwena, a Creative Gateway Program at Kakuma Refugee Camp.
Reflecting on her journey with a hint of humor, Zuwena confessed:
"I’ll admit, I didn’t know much about the metaverse at first, so I did some research. But after figuring it out, I worked hard, and in the end, I really liked how the design turned out."
- Zuwena
Compensation:
For this gig, Zuwena earned €50. In the context of Kakuma, where every bit helps, this amount supported her ongoing education and contributed to her family’s needs. It was another step forward in her journey, demonstrating that even smaller projects can make a meaningful impact.
Zuwena’s personal 3D modelling projects
In addition to her paid gigs, Zuwena has been working hard on her own personal projects to keep improving her skills and build a strong portfolio. She knows that in the world of 3D modeling, you have to stand out to succeed, so she’s taking extra steps to push herself further beyond what she learned in the classroom.
By taking on these personal projects in addition to her ongoing paid gigs, Zuwena isn’t just honing her existing skills—she’s actively learning new techniques, experimenting with different styles, and pushing herself with fresh, creative ideas.
This dedication to growth and innovation highlights her commitment to the craft and signals to creative agencies and clients alike that she’s ready for new challenges and capable of delivering high-quality results.
Important to Remember: €1-15 in Kakuma means much more than you think!
At first glance, the earnings—around €1 to €15 per hour—might not sound like much. To someone on the outside, this might even seem insignificant, especially in a world where higher salaries are often associated with success.
But here’s the thing: just six months ago, Zuwena and many of our other graduates had zero income. They were living in a camp where the average monthly income for a refugee is less than $1.50 per day. Now, they’re making in one hour what many in the camp might not make in a week.
That’s a powerful shift.
Please note that earning around €1 to €15 per hour is also in line with what the average beginner earns on platforms like Upwork, where most new freelancers start at a similar range.
In Kakuma’s context, $10 goes a long way. Let’s put this into perspective. This income allows our graduates to provide for their families, invest in their education, and perhaps most importantly, gain a sense of independence and dignity. Every euro or dollar earned is a step toward a brighter, more sustainable future for them and their communities.
Earning € 10 per hour on Upwork or from an individual client isn’t just a wage. It’s proof that our program works.
It’s evidence that the skills learned in the Creative Gateway program are practical, marketable, and in demand. This student is no longer reliant on humanitarian aid. They’re becoming self-sufficient, one project at a time.
Zuwena assisting new 3D modelling students of the Creative Gateway Program.
Why This should matters to our donors & partners:
To our donors and supporters: your contributions make this possible. Every hour this student works is a testament to the value of the investment you’ve made. The program isn’t just about teaching 3D modeling—it’s about opening doors that were once closed. It’s about providing access to the global economy for some of the world’s most marginalized youth.
So when we talk about earnings, remember that the impact goes far beyond the euro/dollar amount. These students are rewriting their futures. And thanks to you, they’re not just learning skills—they’re applying them in ways that change their lives.
And as Zuwena continues to build her portfolio and sharpen her skills, her earning potential will only grow. With time, experience, and a proven track record, she could start commanding higher rates, moving beyond the beginner tier into more competitive and lucrative opportunities.
Zuwena Hussein and her 3D modeling classmates at Kakuma Refugee Camp
Hire Zuwena for your next 3d modelling project:
If you are a 3D modeling expert, industry professional, or mentor willing to support our cause, please reach out to us at vincent@ambitiousafrica.org.
Your guidance and projects will allow Zuwena to continue earning online, giving her the financial stability to support herself and her family in a camp where opportunities are scarce. A steady income will also empower Zuwena to invest in her education, access better resources, and pave the way for a future where she can rise above the limitations of her environment.
Text by: Freddie Ngunju
