In some societies, women and girls face discrimination and violence every day, simply because of their gender. An ordinary task like collecting water or going to the toilet can put them at risk of rape or abuse.
In times of displacement, this problem escalates. Women and girls make up around 50 per cent of any refugee, internally displaced or stateless population, and those who are unaccompanied, pregnant, heads of households, disabled or elderly are especially vulnerable.
At UNHCR, we work hard to ease their struggle, ensuring safe shelters that offer privacy, assistance with construction or maintenance, fair food distribution systems and separate sanitation facilities. We also manage programmes that help women to improve their leadership skills, overcome barriers to education, and access opportunities.
Our work builds upon women’s own resilience and strength, and helps them to improve their lives, as well as those of their children, families and communities, every single day.
UNHCR’s work for refugee women in Thailand
In many societies, women and girls face specific risks and are less likely than men and boys to have access to their rights, due to their gender roles and position in society. In Thailand, there are many refugee women in desperate need of immediate assistance and protection to help them get back on their feet and to take care of their family, often as the only remaining parent.
With the appropriate support, refugee women can improve their lives and the lives of their children, families and communities.
- UNHCR facilitates the “Stop Violence Against Women” program, empowering female refugees to protect themselves against physical and psychological violence.
