World Refugee Week
World Refugee Week is celebrated every year to honour the resilience of refugees worldwide.
Get inspired by women refugees whose courage, strength and hope enable them to rise above their circumstances and not only heal but to rebuild.
World Refugee Week
A record number of people have been forced to flee their homes
1 in 5 refugee or internally displaced women have faced sexual violence
114 million people forcibly displaced worldwide due to conflict and insecurity
70% of displaced people live in areas affected by hunger crises
The power to rebuild
Honouring the strength and resilience of women refugees
World Refugee Day on 20th June and World Refugee Week (17th-23rd June) are marked every year to honour the strength and resilience of refugees around the world.
As increasing numbers of people are forced to flee their homes, conflict and instability serve as the main driving force behind most of the world's food crises. As a result, millions of people facing the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding their lives following displacement must also navigate the threat of hunger.
This harmful combination of crises is felt around the world, but it is women and girls who are particularly affected. At greater risk of being subjected to exploitation, trafficking and sexual and gender-based violence - the challenges women refugees face are immense.
Scroll to find out how you can join our #ServingUpSisterhood campaign and celebrate the resilience of refugee women through the unifying power of food.
As she's forced to flee, will you Stand With Her?
Receive a free apron or beaded coasters
You have the power to support women affected by conflict as they heal from the trauma of war and build brighter futures for themselves and their families. For a limited time only, we'll send you a FREE Women for Women International apron when you become a Stand With Her Sister Supporter or a set of beautiful beaded coasters when you become a Stand With Her Classroom Supporter - both handmade by women affected by conflict.
Recipes from displaced women
Download a world of flavours
Download our e-cookbook to discover delicious recipes shared by some of the women we support and read their stories of displacement. Each dish is a testament to the power of community, cultural heritage and an inspiring drive to find light amidst the destruction of war and conflict.
World Refugee Day Panel Event
celebrating the courageous lives of women displaced by conflict
On Thursday, 20th June at 6pm (BST), join our virtual panel event to hear from Aram Shakerm and Payvand Seyedali, our Country Directors in Iraq and Afghanistan respectively about the compounding impacts of conflict and displacement.
The panellists will discuss the challenges and achievements of displaced women in Iraq and Afghanistan and how our work provides a pathway for women in these contexts to rebuild their lives.
Enter our social media competition
For refugees, small things like a recipe passed down from generation to generation are powerful reminders of their identity and belonging.
Help us raise awareness about the refugee experience and celebrate the things we have in common by taking part in our social media competition. Post a photograph of a meal that reminds you of your home on Instagram or Facebook, tag us (@womenforwomenuk and @womenforwomen) and use the hashtag #ServingUpSisterhood to be in with a chance of winning a £150 voucher for a store near you. For each post, £1 will go towards our work with women survivors of war and conflict. Terms and conditions apply.
5 facts about what refugee women face
Gender specific challenges of the refugee experience
Refugee women and girls face specific challenges that make them even more vulnerable at times of displacement including discrimination, psychosocial trauma, sexual and gender-based violence and risk of human trafficking.
With thanks to
Learn more
5 Myths & Misconceptions About Refugees
subtitle:
Shocking statistics and clickbait headlines perpetuate damaging stereotypes about refugees. By unpicking common myths and misconceptions, we increase our understanding and are better placed to help refugees heal and rebuild their lives.
The Courage Behind Leila's Smile
subtitle:
In 2018, Leila's village in Damascus, Syria was bombed, killing two of her children and injuring her daughter so badly that she still struggles to walk properly today. Despite their injuries, Leila and her daughter made the difficult to decision to leave their home and seek asylum in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. In the face of immense grief, Leila knew that she needed to move forward for the sake of her family.
As the global refugee crisis has reaches a record high, it is crucial now more than ever to understand the obstacles facing refugees. This World Refugee Week, we have put together a list of seven must-see movies that provide an insight into the refugee experience and their powerful stories of survival.
World Refugee Week Reading List
subtitle:
In recent years, refugee literature has provided a way of educating the public about the truth behind the refugee experience. Women for Women International believes that knowledge is power, so check out our World Refugee Day Reading List to grow your awareness and understanding of the refugee experience for your own personal reading and to share with others.
In Mariupol, Olga sang pop and folk music with her group, Melody, who made it onto Ukrainian X-Factor and her husband was the Head of Mariupol’s orchestra. When war broke out, Olga made the perilous journey across the border to Poland with her son, Max, and her parents. Her husband stayed behind in Ukraine.
Refugee Women You Need to Know About
subtitle:
Meet six incredible refugee women - from Syrian activist Waad al-Kateab to actress and singer Marlene Dietrich - who have used their power to make a difference.