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.
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.
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.
Learn more
5 Myths & Misconceptions About Refugees
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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
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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
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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
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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.