It is important to recall this history of transnational activism and the large and small successes achieved, not least of which, the adoption of the UNHCR Policy on Refugee Women. In doing so, we begin to recognize and realize the possibilities of change, as well as the difference that individuals can make in the face of seemingly looming UN bodies and mandates. Yet the story is unfinished. While transnational refugee women's advocates helped frame debates, open discursive spaces and pressure UNHCR for policy change in the 1980s, institutional change in goals, practices and culture remains a continuing challenge into the new millennium. Undoubtedly, transnational advocates will play a critical supportive role to UNHCR and to refugee women in this process. And now visible, refugee women will continue to demand their rights in refugee committees, NGOs, host and home governments and the UN, until their rights are indeed respected.

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gender issue advocacy refugee United Nations