456 Refugees and Displaced Women
Women as
Leaders
414
self-esteem
➤ When programs
are developed
without consulting the
women who will be
affected by them, the
programs are
less effective.
Women should be involved whenever plans or decisions
are made that affect refugees and displaced people. Women
should also be encouraged to become leaders in their new
communities. This builds self‑esteem, reduces feelings of
loneliness and depression, encourages self‑sufficiency, promotes
safety for women, and helps those providing services to avoid
mistakes.
Here are some ways women can take leadership:
• Participate in planning the way the settlement is
arranged—for example, where
the latrines, gardens, and water
are located.
• Organize separate meetings
for women and men about
safety, basic needs, nutrition,
and community involvement.
• Encourage women to talk
about how they feel about their
situation. Elect a leader
who can talk to those
who run the camp.
• Help with public information
campaigns.
• Organize nutrition and health worker
training programs.
• Organize child care centers. Child
care is an important way to help
women participate in activities where
they can talk with others.
• Organize schools for children.
Women are concerned about
their children even in difficult
times. The United Nations says
that all refugee children have
the right to an education, but
few programs are available.
Classes are sometimes
overcrowded or there may
be a shortage of teachers.
• Help organize reading classes,
skills training, music, and sports
for women and men.
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012