In the refugee camps, women continue to face a myriad of challenges, from lack of employment opportunities to security threats. Zura*, a participant at Refugee Women for Peace and Justice shares her experiences.
Limited Employment and Education Opportunities
For many women in the camp, employment remains out of reach. “Only a few educated women get jobs or volunteer opportunities, but most women in our community are not educated,” explains Zura. The absence of educational opportunities further limits their ability to find work and become self-sufficient.
The lack of access to education is a significant barrier for Rohingya women. “No, we don’t have quality education services in the camp,” Zura adds. Educational services within the camp are inadequate, making it difficult for women and girls to break the cycle of poverty. Furthermore, cultural norms often discourage girls from attending school, especially after they reach puberty. Parents fear for their daughters’ safety and believe that girls should stay home to help with household chores. As a result, many girls are denied the opportunity to continue their education.
Refugee Women for Peace and Justice
Refugee Women for Peace and Justice (RWPJ) works on refugee and human rights, providing basic education, training sessions and livelihoods programmes for Rohingya women and girls. Through RWPF Rohingya women and girls learn…
Zura attended some of these sessions and is now better able to advocate for her rights, “I didn’t know what to do exactly before, but after attending the session at RWPJ, I learned that I need to go to the camp in charge office or legal services centre to make complaints or seek support”.
How You Can Help
The struggles of refugee women highlight the urgent need for increased support, improved security, and expanded educational and employment opportunities. Refugee Women for Peace and Justice continues to advocate for their rights and work toward sustainable solutions.
- Donate to Refugee Women for Peace and Justice to support women in need.
- Raise awareness about the struggles of refugee women and advocate for their rights.
- Support policies that prioritize gender equality and refugee protection.
Together, we can create a future where refugee women feel safe, empowered, and have the opportunities they deserve.
* Name changed