Women-Led Protection: Strengthening support for refugee women and girls across Europe

Across Europe, women-led and refugee women-led organizations are at the forefront of efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV), support survivors, and promote the empowerment and inclusion of refugee women and girls. Working with national and local authorities and supported by UNHCR, these organizations provide trusted, community-based services, strengthen access to protection, and help ensure that refugee women and girls are connected to national systems and opportunities.

Drawing on examples from 13 countries, this paper highlights innovative and locally led approaches ranging from GBV prevention and survivor support to livelihoods, leadership development, social inclusion, and the empowerment of adolescent girls. It demonstrates how investing in local women leaders strengthens protection outcomes, builds resilience, and contributes to more sustainable refugee responses, even in increasingly challenging funding environments.

Read the paper to explore practical lessons, promising practices, and the impact of women-led and refugee-led initiatives across Europe:

Sustaining protection from gender-based violence and women empowerment through local leadership