Opening Borders: #WomenRefugeesWelcome 2015

Description

The laureates led a delegation of experts to meet with Syrian women seeking refuge from war, and the grassroots organizations working around the clock – from Serbia to Croatia, Slovenia and Germany, to support their flight to safety. By 2015 four million Syrians had sought refuge outside of their home country, with women and children representing 75% of the refugee population. En route, and in refugee camps, women faced increased risk of sexual violence, with few protections or services available.

Campaign

International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict

Purpose

To spotlight the experience of women refugees and to highlight the essential work of the organizations and volunteers at the forefront of the crisis.

To bring attention to the root causes of the displacement.

Call to Action

The laureates added their voices to the growing chorus advocating for a nonviolent approach to bringing peace to Syria.

Laureates

Jody Williams
Tawakkol Karman
Shirin Ebadi

Delegates

Donna McKay, Executive Director, Physicians for Human Rights
Lena Ag, Secretary General, Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation
Madeleine Rees, Secretary General, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
Giovanna Negretti, Middle East Director, American Friends Services Committee
Rola Hallam, Medical Director, Hand in Hand for Syria
Rada Borić, Executive Director, Centre for Women’s Studies in Croatia

Find out more

Report

Women Refugees at Risk in Europe (March 2016)

Photos

#WomenRefugeesWelcome

Information Map

The Syrian Refugee Crisis: A Treacherous Journey for Women & Children