News From the International Council on Women's Health Issues

SOMETIMES SEEN BUT OFTEN NOT HEARD

Historically, women and children comprise almost half of any refugee population, but currently they are outnumbering men fleeing from conflict-devastated areas such as Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Women and girls are less likely than men and boys to have access to their rights, due to their gender roles and other social, cultural, political, and economic factors. In situations of social upheaval, war, conflict, and displacement, the risks for sexual and gender-based violence are increased (Amnesty International, 2016). Sadly, this assault on dignity and personhood, as well as physical violence and economic deprivation, lays the foundation for both physical and mental illnesses. This impacts not just individuals but their families, communities, and the whole of society. As advocates for women's health we have to lobby for improved services for this vulnerable group and increase the emphasis on gender sensitive approaches that not just protect women and their rights but also pave a way for recovery and restoration. This underscores the importance of building upon women's resilience and strength and harnessing their potential as agents of change. Neglecting to address the needs of women and children is failing to ensure political, social, and economic stability across the world. As many countries seek to close their borders and bunker down, they are failing to recognize that we live in a global world and our lives are inextricably linked. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. For all of us working in women's health, hearing the needs of women and providing them a voice is an important call to action.