On the International Women's Day (8 March), theinternally displaced women of Rakhine State called for health, safety andsupport to the women.

The women activists and organizations globally celebrate this special dayannually with different slogans and themes.

The women in Myanmar including the Rakhine ladies launched diverse campaigns,featuring slogans and dialogues. They aimed at halting gender-based violence,eradicating discrimination against women, fostering gender equality andencouraging increased female participation in the leadership roles.

The internally displaced women stated that they were unable to conduct anymovement in Rakhine State due to the ongoing conflicts throughout the region.

As the women and children are encountering troubles amid the conflicts, the internally displaced women are calling forhealth, safety and support to them.

An internally displaced woman from Minbya said, "I believe the women faceheightened challenges. We reside in a crowded locality facing insecurity. Theclean toilets are scarce and we resort to makeshift sanitary pads. Moreover,financial constraints prevent us from purchasing proper sanitary products,which adversely impacts our health. The absence of support complicates ourstruggles for survival. Therefore, on International Women's Day, we, the IDPsfrom Rakhine, urge international and social aid organizations not to overlookour safety, health, and livelihood. I appeal to everyone to extend as muchsupport as possible to us."

Another displaced woman from Kyaukphyu expressed,"On this auspicious day, my hope is to receive as much assistance aspossible and ensure the security of women amidst the absence of healthcare,livelihood opportunities and education due to the conflict."

An official from an organization assisting IDPs on theground reported that within the Rakhine IDP community, young women, pregnantwomen and their children are suffering from various health issues. With theonset of summer, the depletion of water sources and reliance on unclean waterwill lead to an increased risk of skin diseases.”

"With the arrival of summer, the intense heatexacerbates our hardships, compounded by a shortage of clean water. The womenand children are particularly vulnerable. Tragically, we've witnessed pregnantwomen experiencing miscarriages due to difficulties accessing food andnecessary medical care. While the Arakan Army provides medical assistance tothe people, they prioritize treating those injured in the conflict and othercritical patients, limiting the support available to the general population.With international organizations no longer present, the aid is also scarcehere," he added.

The humanitarian and development coordination office (HDCO) of the UnitedLeague of Arakan (ULA/AA) reveals that the combined number of internallydisplaced persons in the Rakhine and Paletwa region surpassed 330,000.

According to the ULA/AA,  during the two-monthlong Rakhine conflicts from 13 November to 13 January,  111 civilians werekilled and 357 were injured due to artillery shells, small arms firing,airstrikes, naval bombardments and landmine attacks by the junta forces.

Among the deceased  57 percent were male and 43percent female.