From Vulnerability to Leadership - Migrant and Refugee Women

Anila Noor sharing her pitch at the CSW69 briefing

During a lively briefing on 27 January 2025 for NGOs in the Netherlands about the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), experts from diverse backgrounds presented their pitches about key topics of importance for the delegation to keep in mind while engaging in the upcoming CSW negotiations.

This second pitch was presented by Anila Noor, a refugee activist in the Netherlands and founder of New Women Connectors. New Women Connectors is an organisation committed to amplifying the voices and leadership of migrant and refugee women across Europe and globally.

From Vulnerability to Leadership: Advancing the Rights of Migrant and Refugee Women

The backlash against migrants and women’s rights in Europe is not just alarming—it’s putting displaced women at heightened risk. Gender-based violence (GBV) is a symptom of systemic issues like exclusion, inequality, and the lack of meaningful representation. If women in Europe—where resources and protections are more robust—face barriers and threats to their safety, imagine the plight of women in countries like Bangladesh or Uganda. These women are confronting unimaginable exploitation and discrimination as we speak.

Migrant and refugee women are not just survivors; they are resilient leaders. Yet, they are often excluded from decisions that directly impact their lives. At New Women Connectors, we believe their participation is not optional—it is essential.

To create meaningful change, we must:

Tackle Root Causes: Address the systemic inequalities and exclusion that perpetuate violence and marginalization.

Invest in Refugee Women Globally: Strengthen women-led initiatives that empower displaced women to lead and build inclusive societies.

The global challenges we face today—climate change, systemic inequality, and displacement—demand bold leadership. Refugee women are already leading within their communities; they need the resources and recognition to lead globally.

Let us move beyond labels like “vulnerable” or “dependent.” By committing to dismantling barriers and creating inclusive systems, we can ensure that every woman, regardless of her background or location, can lead, thrive, and contribute to a more equitable world.

Thank you. Let us act on this today.

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