RUPTURED VOICES: YET UNBROKEN DREAMS

 RUPTURED VOICES: YET UNBROKEN DREAMS

 
To be called a refugee is the opposite of an insult; it is a badge of strength, courage and victory. ~Tennessee Office for Refugees 

In the chaos of war, they flee, 

Migrant, refugeed women- girls,

 Their stories are untold, their struggles unseen, 

In search of safety, in a world unfurled. 

Leaving behind their homes and dreams, 

Their courage shines through the darkest night, 

Their resilience, a beacon of hope it seems, 

As they navigate this perilous flight. 

In unfamiliar lands, they seek a new start, 

Facing challenges with strength and grace, 

Their voices, their dreams, a beating heart, 

Migrant and refugee women- girls, a powerful embrace. 

Their plight during wartime, a tale to be told,

 Their resilience and bravery, a sight to behold. 

Whenever it’s a discussion about war or say conflict even within the communities what we focus upon are THE MEN who have lost their families, friends and even lives. It's not just a case of today that war is supposed to be MEN’s business since the very beginning we are told and taught that the one who suffers during wars are MEN, only one specific gender is suffering the atrocities but what remains untouched and unseen is the crying quest of WOMEN to get her identity back from the destruction caused by war. In this particular article the plight of women, the unheard screams, the pain to survive, the crushed efforts of women and every possible atrocity WOMEN goes through is discussed.

 HER SCREAMS ARE UNHEARD! 

She fights, she fights for her 

Own rights, 

She fights with people,

 She fights for people, 

She fights with society,

 She fights for society,

She fights with herself, 

She fights for herself, 

She speaks loudly, 

She screams for herself, 

Her screams are unheard of,

 Her plight is blurred,

 She is not considered. 

Migrant and refugee women often face unique and complex challenges as they navigate new and unfamiliar environments. Even today in the 21st Century wars such as Russia – Ukraine, Israel – Palestine and of course the brutality of the Taliban in Afghanistan asks and urges us to think, Is the Humanity Still Alive? Who suffers the most during the wars? I know the answer is everyone there is no gender bias but what we perceive is based on gender. The men fighting the war, the men sacrificing their lives, men losing their families, the men are bloodshed… 

The entire concept of wars and conflicts is seen and thought to be so masculine that we have forgotten the existence of the opposite gender. When we talk about wars even in Russia – Ukraine, Israel – Palestine and Afghanistan the limelight was just about the men, the women, and children and the atrocities they go through have always been shadowed. War, conflict, and crises introduce women and girls to a very real fear: that their safety and human rights will be the last priority amid the violence. Women experience the war in a different way as compared to men. For men, it is only the guns, swords and bombarding but what a woman goes through is a more emotional trajectory. Men fight the war till they are on the battlefield but women fight it every day with everyone and even with themselves till their last breath. Migrant women are seen with an eye of rejection and ill-omened persona. The asylum country gives them a place to live, a place to establish themselves again but mostly for their benefit and on the grounds of mercy. The migrant and refugee women are left with nothing, their identity, their regard, and their esteem are all drained by the war. The women and children are brutally treated in their motherland during the war times, even if it’s a talk of the history or of contemporary times, they are being harassed, molested, and demeaned. Even after World War 1, the Commission of Responsibilities set up in 1919 to examine the atrocities committed by the German Empire and the other Powers during the war found substantial evidence of sexual violence and subsequently included rape and forced prostitution. Wars disrupt lives, displacing countless individuals, and among those affected, women and girls encounter distinct struggles that require targeted efforts for support. Often find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings, lacking the safety nets and community structures they once relied upon. Discussing philosophically when we address the plight of migrant and refugee women and girls during war necessitates a comprehensive and Gender – Sensitive Approach. 

Women and girls have suffered greatly as a result of the conflict in Ukraine. Sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as gender-based violence, have been more common since the war. The conflict has inflicted untold suffering on the Ukrainian people, with thousands of lives claimed. An atmosphere of increased tension brought on by the Israel-Palestine conflict can give rise to xenophobia and other forms of discrimination. Because they are outsiders in a conflict-driven environment, migrant women may be subject to more scrutiny, marginalization, or even violence. These women face particular difficulties as a result of the intersection of discrimination based on gender and nationality. A comprehensive approach is necessary to address the needs of migratory women in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. International organizations and humanitarian initiatives are essential in helping this vulnerable group by offering advocacy, protection, and support. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities must work together to establish an inclusive environment that acknowledges and resolves the unique difficulties encountered by migratory women. 

Conclusion-One inspiring example is Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist who, after surviving a Taliban attack, became an advocate for girls' education. She later settled in the UK and co-authored the memoir "I Am Malala." Also, Isabel Allende, a Chilean author who fled the Pinochet regime. She went on to become a highly successful and influential writer, known for her acclaimed novels like "The House of the Spirits." Madeleine Albright. She fled Czechoslovakia during World War II, later becoming the first female U.S. Secretary of State. Albright's achievements showcase resilience and success in the face of displacement. Women who have migrated as refugees, such as Madeleine Albright, Isabel Allende, and Malala Yousafzai, demonstrate the extraordinary fortitude and success that may arise from difficult situations. Their experiences demonstrate the capacity for fortitude, flexibility, and service, demonstrating the ability of people to overcome hardship and have a profoundly positive impact on the world.

 So at the end :

 “Refugee myself, I say to all women everywhere: don't stop chasing your dreams despite the difficult circumstances.” ~Majdoline

 Written By:- Diksha Madhukar

 (Content Associate)