By Camp Correspondent, Hafizur Rahman
March 8, 2025 – Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
On this International Women’s Day, Rohingya Khobor sheds light on the silent struggles and resilience of Rohingya women, who continue to bear the brunt of one of the world’s most prolonged humanitarian crises.
Despite being displaced, stateless, and marginalized, they remain the backbone of their families and communities, yet their voices often go unheard.
The Struggles of Rohingya Women
Since the 2017 mass exodus from Myanmar, more than 700,000 Rohingya refugees have sought shelter in Bangladesh, fleeing brutal persecution by the Myanmar military. Among them, women and girls have faced the worst forms of violence, including gender-based violence, trafficking, and forced displacement.
Many are now widows, single mothers, or survivors of sexual violence, struggling to rebuild their lives in overcrowded refugee camps.
Living in makeshift shelters with limited access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, Rohingya women continue to fight daily battles for survival.
The lack of proper sanitation and healthcare has led to increased risks of malnutrition, maternal health complications, and waterborne diseases.
Additionally, cultural and social barriers often restrict their mobility, leaving them vulnerable and dependent on limited humanitarian aid.
The Crisis Beyond Refugee Camps
While many Rohingya women remain trapped in refugee camps, those still in Myanmar’s Rakhine State continue to suffer under the oppressive regime.
Reports indicate that Rohingya women face systemic discrimination, movement restrictions, and violence at the hands of the Myanmar military and other armed groups. With escalating conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar’s military, the situation for Rohingya women has only worsened.
The denial of citizenship and fundamental rights has left them stateless, preventing them from accessing education, employment, or legal protection.
Many young Rohingya girls are forced into early marriage, often seen as the only way to ensure their security in a world that refuses to recognize their existence.
A Call for Action
Despite these challenges, Rohingya women continue to rise. In refugee camps, many have taken up leadership roles—educating children, advocating for their rights, and working as community health volunteers.
However, their efforts alone are not enough. The international community must do more to support them.
Rohingya Khobor calls on governments, humanitarian organizations, and global leaders to:
- Ensure access to education for Rohingya girls to break the cycle of poverty and early marriage.
- Improve healthcare services, particularly maternal and mental health support.
- Amplify Rohingya women’s voices in decision-making spaces.
- Demand justice and accountability for the crimes committed against them.
Rohingya women are not just victims; they are survivors, leaders, and changemakers. Their resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to their strength.
On this International Women’s Day, the world must recognize women’s struggles and take concrete steps to empower and uplift them.
Rohingya Khobor remains committed to amplifying the voices of Rohingya women, ensuring their stories are heard, and their rights are fought for—not just today, but every day.
