Barriers displaced women face
Current situation
According to UNHCR figures, the number of displaced people has been steadily increasing worldwide in recent years, driven by war, poverty, persecution, other human rights violations and natural disasters that force people from their homes. In 2015, there were approximately 60 million displaced individuals globally, but by the first half of 2024, this figure had risen to over 122 million. Most of them were internally displaced in their own countries and of the people who crossed boarders most lived in neighbouring countries.
By the end of 2023, EU countries hosted approximately 7 million refugees, representing 1.5% of the Union's total population. [1] Greece currently hosts over 240,000 displaced people. [2] The vast majority of people crossing the Greek boarders to seek safety apply for asylum, with most being recognised as in need of protection.
The vast majority of people crossing the Greek boarders to seek safety apply for asylum, with most being recognised as in need of protection.
“What do I miss more? I lost my child in the war. Perhaps it was better for her. She escaped a horrible life, a horrible world. But some days I cannot breathe because my pain is so big.”
Displaced woman, Amina Day Centre
Violence against women
All migrant women and girls, including those forcibly displaced, are at greater risk of gender-based violence and trafficking. UN Women statistics indicate that 64% of detected trafficking victims are women and 27% are girls. They are also three times more likely to be physically or sexually abused during trafficking than men and boys. [3] Yet, despite the risks, women and girls constitute 50% of the global displaced population. [4]
Given these dangers, it is vital for host countries to consider the unique vulnerabilities of each population and implement protective measures for women and girls. However, in December 2023, the European Court of Human Rights granted interim measures for two Afghan women and their five children residing in the Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC) on the Greek island of Kos, “in completely unsuitable conditions”. [5] Women in state-controlled camps across Greece describe unacceptable living conditions and cite “the financial and practical obstacles they face to leave the camps and reach services based in the cities, lack of information and orientation and undignified situations once using public transportation without tickets.” [8] Additionally, 10% of women who have been living in Greece for more than two years report that they have been physically or sexually assaulted. [6]
Displaced populations in the EU live in a threatening environment. In the period 2016 – 2020, third-country nationals’ perceived discrimination against them increased in the EU, especially among women. [7] Even concerning fundamental human rights, such as healthcare, a study assessing the healthcare experiences of migrant populations across ten European countries, including Greece, found that “migrant women were more likely to not be able to access healthcare services when needed.” [8]
All migrant women and girls, including those forcibly displaced, are at greater risk of gender-based violence and trafficking.
Restrictive gender norms
Furthermore, migrant women entering the job market in host countries are more likely than men to secure only low-paid, low-skilled jobs and face limited access to support services. [9] The same can be assumed for displaced women. In Greece, displaced women usually don’t work and often remain in traditional gender roles and offer unpaid care work to their families. [10] Poverty is one of the many obstacles that they face in the country.
When asked, 73% of women reported that they used at least one coping mechanism in the last four weeks. Specifically, “70% of women reported skipping meals (compared with 62% of men). 7% of women reported that a child in their household had to work in the past four weeks, compared with 6% of men” and 10% indicated that a female family member had to marry. [11]
The reality for displaced women and girls in Greece is one of persistent hardship, where even their most basic needs for safety, health and decent living conditions are often unmet. In this hostile environment, displaced women and girls must confront complex social, economic and cultural barriers, often with limited support. These circumstances not only strain their daily lives but also hinder their ability to achieve long-term stability, security and well-being.