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On the 14th of December 2023, during the second Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, Anila Noor, Founder and Managing Director of New Women Connectors announced this joint pledge:
In partnership, the Action Network on Forced Displacement, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the United Nations Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), The Lotus Flower, and New Women Connectors pledge to advance the participation and leadership of displaced women and girls in all their diversity, utilising our collective expertise, networks, and resources to bring about a future where displaced women and girls are not only heard but actively engaged as leaders and decision-makers in political, economic, and social spheres.
We highlight the pivotal role that women play as agents of change and underscore their centrality in shaping a future that respects diversity and upholds feminist principles. We are determined to address the multifaceted challenges faced by displaced persons, encompassing refugees, internally displaced persons, asylum seekers, stateless individuals, and returnees. We commit to further promote the equitable involvement of displaced women in political, economic, and social decision-making processes, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5 and 16, and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, to safeguard individuals from violence and conflict and to foster peace and resilience, particularly within the complex context of displacement, including protracted crises and those affected by climate change.
Anila Noor's Closing remarks
"In the spirit of collective empowerment, I'd like to emphasize a crucial plea: let us invest wholeheartedly in Refugee women-led organizations. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to effect significant change, and their endeavours require your support to catalyze a swift shift in power dynamics. By doing so, we have the opportunity to contribute to the realization of peace, social justice, and gender equity—the very cornerstones our world urgently needs today.
As we look ahead, let this be a call to action, a rallying cry for solidarity. Together, we can
be architects of positive transformation, fostering a world where the voices of the displaced are not just heard but actively shaping the future. Let us seize this moment, and with shared determination, navigate the path forward toward a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate global community. I appreciate your commitment, and let us forge ahead, hand in hand, towards a brighter future for all."