WUNRN
UNHCR - THE UN REFUGEE AGENCY
Women
©
UNHCR/F. Courbet
Refugee Women
In any refugee population, approximately 50 percent of the uprooted people are women and girls.
Stripped of the
protection of their homes, their government and often their family structure,
females are often particularly vulnerable. They face the rigours of long
journeys into exile, official harassment or indifference and frequent sexual
abuse - even after reaching an apparent place of safety. Internally displaced
women often suffer similar experiences.
In the last few
years, UNHCR has developed a series of special programmes to ensure women have
equal access to protection, basic goods and services as they attempt to rebuild
their lives. Special attention is given to forcibly displaced women who may
face risks because of their specific circumstances, such as pregnant and
lactating women, older women, and female heads of households
Women are active
and positive change agents - when given the proper resources - and are capable
of improving their lives and the lives of their children, families and
communities.
A programme
aimed at promoting the empowerment and economic independence of female refugees.
By ensuring
participation in decision-making and strengthening their self-reliance.
These concerns
vary from context to context, but there are some cross-cutting issues.
Who We Work With
to Help Women
UN agencies,
NGOs, grassroots organizations and private-public institutions are included.
================================================================
To contact the list administrator, or to leave the list, send an email to: wunrn_listserve-request@lists.wunrn.com.
Thank you.