Today is International Women’s Day, a day to recognize and celebrate women and girls across the world. At JRS/USA, today we recognize the refugee and displaced women and girls in a particular way, and advocate for their right for dignity, hope, and a prosperous future.

Half of all forcibly displaced people are women. When women and girls are forced to leave their homes, they face particularly vulnerabilities and risks, including trafficking, gender-based sexual and physical violence, and heightened discrimination. Displaced women and girls also face limited opportunities to prosper and rebuild after their forced displacement. Socio-cultural traditions and reinforced gender roles, along with practices such as child marriage further perpetuate the challenges that they face.

At JRS, we are committed to fostering opportunities, hope, and resilience of displaced women and girls. Our work spans from gender-responsive education to vocational training, protection services, and psychosocial support.

“Women and girls are often the centers of resilience, the voices of peace, and pillars of hope in communities of displacement,” Joan Rosenhauer, the first female Executive Director of JRS/USA stated. “We must make a safe space and equal opportunities for these women who will not only lift themselves, but their families and communities with them.”

When displaced girls and women have room for healing, developing their talents, and improving their livelihoods, their families and communities are more likely to become these agents of change and social cohesion.