On International Women's Day March 8, we celebrate the many advances made each year for more equal rights, but the day is also a reminder that there is still a long way to go.
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on women's rights and conditions, but in many countries, women's rights are still under great pressure, and in some countries, rights are even declining as we see in for example Afghanistan.
Displaced women and girls are particularly exposed. Unfortunately, this fact has not changed, although many countries in the world are progressing when it comes to women's rights. Over 100 million people are currently displaced, including more than 36 million refugees, and the number unfortunately continues to increase. Half of all refugees and displaced persons are women and girls. They are mothers, sisters and daughters with diverse backgrounds and outlooks. Regardless of age or nationality, however, all displaced women and girls have one thing in common. All of them are more likely to be victims of abuse and discrimination because of their gender.
"Fleeing is in itself a traumatic experience. You are forced to leave your home, your belongings, your life, and everything you know to embark on an often dangerous journey, not knowing what future awaits you. As a woman, that journey is even more dangerous."
"Almost half of the women and girls who flee are assaulted during the flight. It involves for example rape, kidnapping, and bribery. Even when women and girls reach their destination, they are still at risk of abuse and exploitation," says Charlotte Slente, Secretary General of the Danish Refugee Council.
Almost half of the women and girls who flee are assaulted during the flight. It involves for example rape, kidnapping, and bribery.
/ Charlotte Slente, Secretary General of the Danish Refugee Council.
Therefore, it is important to focus on protection in the areas where women and girls settle temporarily such as refugee camps. Among other things, DRC Danish Refugee Council helps to ensure that such camps are lit up also at night, that toilets are segregated by gender and that women's needs are met.
DRC provides crisis assistance and safe shelters for women who have been victims of abuse, so that they have the best possible conditions for the future.
"It is important to mention that women are not naturally less equipped to cope but are more vulnerable based on their gender alone. During my travels, I have experienced countless examples of their unimaginable strength."
"I have met mothers who have walked with their children for days to get them to safety, or women who join forces to provide for their families if their husbands have been killed, have disappeared or have travelled ahead in search of safety," says Charlotte Slente, Secretary General of the Danish Refugee Council.
I have met mothers who have walked with their children for days to get them to safety, or women who join forces to provide for their families if their husbands have been killed, have disappeared or have travelled ahead in search of safety
/ Charlotte Slente, Secretary General of the Danish Refugee Council.
These strong women face many challenges, including securing an income to support their children. DRC works towards empowering these women to generate their own income through providing lessons in how to set up a small business, so they in a sustainable way are able to provide for their families.
Unfortunately, girls and women in displacement also experience more often than boys and men that they are forced to give up school, education and dreams of the future.
Access to education is a fundamental human right and must ensure that children have the best prospects for the future. Yet only half as many displaced girls as boys receive an education.
This is problematic, as it makes it harder for women to find work and become self-reliant. Without education, they don't always acquire the necessary knowledge about their rights, which can provide them with the confidence and courage to speak up and protect themselves.
"It is hard being a displaced person and school means routine, normality, purpose and time away from the pressures. It's important for children to have that space, but especially for girls who are vulnerable to exploitation, gender-based violence or early marriage."
"By learning about their rights through education, girls gain a greater resilience to the enormous challenges of being displaced, but also of being a woman," says Charlotte Slente, Secretary General of the Danish Refugee Council.
DRC has a huge focus on empowering displaced women and women in the conflict areas where we work. According to research, peace processes where women participated as witnesses, signatories, mediators, and/or negotiators were 20% more likely to last at least two years, and 35% more likely to last at least 15 years.