IRC to expand support for Syrian refugee women

IRC counselors will provide emotional care and support for survivors of sexual assault and other forms of violence against women.  Refugees will also have access to private space where they can meet and receive group support. These ‘safe spaces’ are particularly important to women and girls. The IRC will also provide training to those working with refugees in how to screen, address and refer instances of sexual and domestic violence.  Given disturbing reports that there’s been an increase in forced marriages in refugee families — in some cases, early and coerced marriages are seen as lessening the burden of dependents — the IRC will work to raise awareness of the issue. The IRC will also distribute towels, soap, headscarves and other basic necessities that help women and girls maintain dignity and feminine hygiene in challenging times.

 

Two IRC assessments completed this year in Jordan indicate that women and girls have been particularly impacted by the crisis in Syria. Many women say that targeted violence against females was a key reason for their fleeing.  The reports also took note of a dearth of support available to women once they arrived in Jordan.  “There is no question that a multitude of these refugee women and girls need help,” says Elina Amaeva, who coordinates IRC programming  in Jordan.  “We are confident this will make a very real difference in the lives of thousands.”

 

Currently, the IRC operates two health care clinics in the Jordanian border cities of Mafraq and Ramtha that serve a combined 100 patients daily.  Those clinics provide not only checkups and examinations, but also prescriptions enabling them to receive free medicine at nearby pharmacies.