Fleeing to Live: The Double Exile of Displaced Women
One in three women globally suffers violence, but in humanitarian crises, this figure doubles with 70% of women and girls fleeing wars facing gender violence.
The article discusses the alarming statistics surrounding violence against women, revealing that one in three women globally experiences violence, a figure that significantly increases during humanitarian crises where up to 70% of women and girls fleeing conflict are victims of gender-based violence. This highlights the dire circumstances that many women face as they try to escape not only the violence of war but also systemic gender violence that targets them disproportionately during times of chaos.
In observance of International Women's Month, ACNUR Argentina has launched the campaign "Huir para vivir" (Fleeing to Live), aimed at raising awareness about this silent tragedy affecting over 60 million women and girls worldwide. The campaign not only seeks to spotlight these issues but also to transform public outrage into direct support for those affected. It underscores the structural issues that make women particularly vulnerable during such crises, emphasizing the need for collective action.
However, the threats do not stop once these women cross borders; the journey itself poses significant risks. Many women are forced into dangerous situations due to a lack of documentation and the absence of protective networks, exposing them to risks of sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and forced marriages. The plight of these displaced women requires urgent attention and proactive solutions to ensure their safety and dignity on the way to seeking refuge.