Each day millions of women around the world struggle to make
ends meet. Nowhere is this situation more acute than in those
countries recovering from conflict. More than 70 per cent of
all refugees are women and children. Stripped of the protection of
their homes, their government and often their family structure,
females are particularly vulnerable. They face the rigours of long
journeys into exile, official harassment or indifference and
frequent sexual abuse. International Women's Day provides us with
an opportunity to honour the resilience and strength of these
women.