Dangers to women in Ukraine recognized on International Women’s Day

By Dave Stell, communications manager, Canada

Girl sitting grass

Need for equality highlighted as world marks important day of recognition

Photo by Jure Širić from Pexels

On this International Women’s Day, the crisis in Ukraine and the plight of girls and women affected by the Russian invasion is top of mind for many people around the world.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2022: Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow, shows the importance of creating a future of equity. It is a goal shared by Children Believe — to work with girls, boys, parents and community leaders to promote gender equality, because everyone deserves access to safety, education and basic human rights.

“War, forced displacement and the ongoing security crisis in Ukraine have placed millions of children and women’s safety and livelihoods at the highest risk,” says Belinda Bennet, chief international programs officer for Children Believe. “Times such as these show how together we must stand for the rights of children, women and all vulnerable people.”

In Ukraine, currently, aid workers have brought attention to reports of women of colour facing racism at border crossings, other women kept for days without access to toilets and mothers with young children unable to be sheltered from freezing temperatures. It is estimated women and children make up the majority of the two–million people who have fled Ukraine due to the war.

As a member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of 11 child-focused development organizations. And, as the crisis in Ukraine unfolds, we’re supporting Alliance member ChildFund Deutschland (Germany), which after working in the country since 2004, is now providing emergency care for children and their families.

You can make a difference in the lives of girls and women, and their families, affected by the Ukraine crisis. Donate today to deliver urgent, critical relief through Children Believe.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance:

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.

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