When Robert Sebatware met Dave Kurz, he and his wife had just arrived in the U.S. as refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Robert hoped his new friend, an IRC staff member, could mentor him in the ways of America. Years later, Robert is the one helping newcomers to America and the two men and their families have developed a bond that goes beyond friendship.

“What a man can do, a woman should do too.” We couldn’t agree more. Meet women's activists working to stop violence against women from our Listen Up program, which aims to amplify the voices and power of refugee women and girls.

What can governments, business and other sectors do to systematically boost the inclusion and empowerment of refugees, particularly girls and women? On the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, which seeks to advance women’s rights, IRC president and CEO David Miliband and IRC volunteer Lilian Dawa discuss the progress being made on gender equality with former U.S.

“We have to reimagine the world that we want and we have to speak up for it.” To mark the 25th anniversary of the U.N.’s Beijing Platform for Action on gender equality, refugee and IRC volunteer Lilian Dawa and IRC president and CEO David Miliband spoke with Hillary Clinton about the progress made for women—and what still needs to be done.

Kim Mundis met Lincy Sopall, a transgender fashion designer and asylee from Honduras, at an event where she became one of her first customers. The two are now among one another's closest friends. “If I didn’t have Kim’s friendship, I would feel like I did when I was a young girl—completely alone,” says Lincy. The IRC’s “Stories of Welcome” series showcases the growing bonds between refugees and asylees, and their fellow Americans.