FYF’s Country Director Speaks at Displaced Persons Event

Last week, FYF’s Country Director, Hewan Omer, participated in the University of Southampton’s event “Lost Homes, New Horizons: Exploring Forced Displacement Through the Power of Education.”

 

During the event, Hewan shared the story of the Yezidi community, the genocide they faced in 2014, and their struggle to recover and rebuild ever since. Hewan also shared her personal story of surviving the genocide and being forced into internal displacement. 

 

Hewan emphasized the gendered aspect of displacement and the compounding vulnerabilities displaced Yezidi women face due to gender-based violence and unequal access to job opportunities and education. Hewan closed by illustrating how to tackle this issue in an inclusive way, by empowering Yezidi women and all displaced and refugee women to lead the humanitarian, development, and policy work that directly impacts their wellbeing. Only then will holistic and tangible change be possible.