Myanmar: Having fled their homeland, where they were victims of genocide and sexual violence used as a weapon of war, Rohingya girls and women are now confronting new dangers and challenges in refugee camps in Bangladesh. Most of these refugee women and girls do not have the opportunity to pursue higher education, not only due to traditional and patriarchal norms in their communities but also because of the associated risks. The Rohingya women and girls she interviewed reported experiences of sexual harassment, domestic violence, or gender-based violence. In the refugee camps, impoverished Rohingya girls and women are seizing the chance to learn martial arts, aiming not only to become proficient in self-defense but also to raise awareness of their persecuted community on a global scale.
- Lord, we pray for the protection and safety of Rohingya women and girls in the refugee camps. May they be shielded from violence and harassment, and may their hearts find comfort and healing from the trauma they have faced (The Holy Bible, Psalm 9:9).
- Lord, we pray for opportunities for education and empowerment for Rohingya women and girls. May they gain access to resources and support that will help them thrive, and may the skills they acquire, such as self-defense, foster confidence and resilience within their community (The Holy Bible, Jeremiah 29:11).
News Source: Myanmar Now
Image Source: Canva