Seven CARE women demand action from G7 leaders ahead of this week's Summit

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16 June 2022

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Seven women from countries including Ukraine, Afghanistan and Bangladesh have written to G7 leaders to offer a first-hand perspective on how the world’s most pressing crises are affecting women and girls globally.    

Despite crises and disasters disproportionately affecting women and girls, women are wholly underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making positions. Only 10 countries currently have a female head of state and only 13 countries have a woman head of government. Now, with the absence of Angela Merkel for the first time since 2005, this G7 will be the first summit without a female representative from a nation-state for 17 years.

In the letters, the women urge world leaders to ensure that female voices are heard and that the perspective of women and girls are front and centre as they seek to address major global issues, such as climate change and the war in Ukraine.

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Badia, Afghanistan

Badia writes about the impact of the food crisis on her family.

"I truly fear for the coming months and the idea that I may have nothing to cook for my children."

Read Badia's letter
A woman holds a baby, surrounded by food supplies

Daria, Ukraine

Daria shares her story of fleeing war, and asks G7 leaders to continue to support vulnerable refugees from Ukraine and worldwide.

"I never thought I would be a refugee, but now I see the great need for relief for refugees worldwide, no matter which crisis they are fleeing."

Read Daria's letter
Daria with a group of 9 smiling schoolchildren

Adenike, Nigeria

Adenike describes the impact of the climate crisis on women and girls in her community, and outlines the support they need from world leaders.

"Women in regions like mine bear the brunt of the climate crisis, despite having the smallest carbon footprint. And when you, the G7, gather we hear only more promises and dialogues than action. I can tell you promises won’t save us from destruction."

Read Adenike's letter
Adenike from Nigeria smiles to camera wearing a t shirt with the slogan 'The Ecofeminist'

Marwa, Syria

Marwa dreams of being an architect so she can rebuild her home country. She asks leaders for support for returning home and having access to opportunities there.

"Help us not to be marginalised, forgotten and isolated – we are willing to rebuild our lives and our homes."

Read Marwa's letter
Marwa from Syria smiles to camera

Dalia, Yemen

Dalia describes living through 2,555 days of conflict and asks leaders to give women in Yemen the platform to have a voice and be at the centre of finding solutions.

"We ask that any new peace solutions be gender sensitive, inclusive and our voices taken into account. We ask that we are supported to be empowered to remain active, visible and impactful."

Read Dalia's letter
Portrait of Dalia from Yemen

Ruma, Bangladesh

Ruma, a garment worker in Bangladesh, calls on G7 leaders to ratify and implement the International Labour Organisation’s Violence and Harassment Convention (C190) and commit to ensuring women do not experience human rights violations in the workplace.

"As a garment worker and President of a Community Worker Association, I know first-hand the risks women face in the workplace. A shocking 80% of garment workers in Bangladesh have either seen or directly experienced sexual violence or harassment in the workplace."

Read Ruma's letter
Ruma from Bangladesh smiles to camera

Hodan, Somalia

Hodan writes about the barriers to education for girls and her personal experience of being forced to leave school due the ongoing drought in Somalia.

"Climate change is making life difficult for so many people but it is devastating that it is disrupting education. My one ask of G7 leaders is that they help children, and especially girls like me, complete their schooling."

Read Hodan's letter
A young girl looks out over a dry landscape - a refugee camp is visible in the distance

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