International Women's Day

Briefing notes

International Women's Day

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Ron Redmond – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

6 March 2009 Also available in:

International Women's Day is on Sunday, March 8. We would like to note that in situations of forced displacement, no one is spared from deprivation and the threat of violence but women and girls suffer disproportionately. Violence, and particularly sexual and gender-based violence, is one of the defining characteristics of contemporary conflict. A fuller response to SGBV, therefore, remains one of UNHCR's top protection priorities. To mark International Women's Day, UNHCR has posted stories about women in Colombia and Kenya on our website and there will be activities in several refugee camps around the world to celebrate the day.