Concerns
Women play a vital role in
the alleviation of poverty, prevention of conflict and in sustaining peace and
are also the majority of the displaced in conflict settings. Yet women,
particularly displaced women, are largely excluded from decisions that ensure
their very survival. Ensuring women’s rights to full participation in political,
economic and social activities is essential, as is the inclusion of women in
mechanisms which prevent conflict, stop war, and stabilize regions damaged by
conflict.
Displaced women are often excluded from decision making
processes because they have no time to participate. They are cooking, collecting
firewood and water, and caring for their families in insecure environments. In
the chaos of humanitarian emergencies, Refugees International ensures that the
special needs of women and their children are not forgotten. In particular,
sexual violence has been increasingly used as a weapon of war against women and
girls, yet programs to support survivors are often lagging.
Refugees
International also focuses on the intersection of peacekeeping and gender
issues. With protection of civilians included in the mandates of peacekeeping
missions, it is essential that peacekeepers understand the particular needs of
displaced women. Therefore, RI advocates for greater integration of women into
peacekeeping forces. To read more about RI's work on sexual exploitation and
abuse in UN peacekeeping missions, click
here.