Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the start of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence. International Rescue Committee grants intern Jane Yang writes about how the IRC protects and empowers women who have made the dangerous trip from Somalia to a refugee camp in northeastern Kenya.

The International Rescue Committee is responding to a deadly outbreak of cholera in the world’s largest refugee camp, Dadaab, situated in northern Kenya near the Somalian border. Since November, more than 347 people including children have been infected with the highly contagious disease. With the onset of the rainy season, the IRC is concerned the epidemic could continue to spread, making already poor living conditions even worse.

As flames engulfed the refugee camp where he lived in Thailand, a 13-year-old Burmese boy stayed behind to help rescue other refugees. Sha Nay Htoo's heroic actions on that March day left him with third degree burns over most of his body. When the IRC's Peter Biro caught up with him last month, Sha Nay was out of the hospital where he received treatment and eager to return to his friends and family:

As the International Rescue Committee approaches our 100th year of service in 2033, we remain focused on ensuring that the impact of our programs and the influence of our ideas empower people caught in crisis to make last change in their lives. To achieve that vision, we’re launching Strategy100, a strategic plan that provides a north star for our programs, our research, and our voice. We will deliver it in partnership with the people we serve and the local communities in which we work.

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