Empowering Women in Refugee Settlements: Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Economic Self-Reliance

The plight of women and girls in refugee settlements presents significant challenges, particularly regarding their safety, livelihoods opportunities, and overall well-being. One of the most pressing concerns is gender-based violence (GBV), which continues to affect many refugee women and girls in Uganda. Despite multiple and various efforts to mobilize resources and improve social and economic conditions of refugees and host communities, the intersection of these resources and GBV prevention remains a critical area of focus.

The challenges faced by women and girls in refugee settlements and urban areas remain a significant concern, particularly in terms of safety, livelihood opportunities, and overall well-being. Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to be one of the most pressing issues affecting refugee women and girls in Uganda. According to the UNHCR GBV Dashboard Uganda Refugee Response Plan (RRP) 2024-2025, RRP GBV partners assisted 1,089 GBV survivors in the first quarter of the year, reaching 21% of the target indicator. Of these, 89% were adults and 11% were children.

However, delayed reporting remains a critical challenge due to fear of reprisal, with many survivors experiencing emotional distress and safety threats. Additionally, reports of sex-for-work exchanges have emerged in Kampala and surrounding urban areas, driven by worsening economic hardships and rising poverty levels among refugees and host communities. Despite ongoing efforts to mobilize resources and enhance the social and economic conditions of both groups, critical gaps persist, particularly in access to comprehensive services such as protection shelters and sustainable livelihood support in refugee-hosting districts. Addressing the intersection between resource mobilization and GBV prevention remains a key priority, as RRP partners continue to collaborate with the government, private sector, and civil society organizations to strengthen referral pathways and advocate for the inclusion of GBV and child protection priorities in national and local development policies and programs.

Uganda, known for its progressive refugee laws and policies, has been hosting refugees since its independence in 1962. Unlike typical refugee camps, refugees in Uganda reside in Settlements, where they are allocated 10-decimal plots of land for agricultural purposes, while some refugees rent land from host communities. This system is designed to help refugees achieve self-reliance through farming and trade. However, it is also essential to recognize the ongoing challenges that women and girls face in these environments, particularly in terms of safety, climate change, and economic empowerment.

The LEAP Project II has focused its resource mobilization efforts on improving access to education and livelihood opportunities, with initiatives such as Second Chance Education, English for Adults, and Civic Education. While these initiatives have contributed to advancements in refugees’ self-reliance, GBV remains a pervasive issue. Women and girls in these settlements continue to face various forms of violence, including sexual and physical abuse, exploitation, and harassment. These experiences harm their physical and mental health, while also limiting their ability to engage in vital economic activities, such as agriculture or trade, which are key for gaining income and realizing their financial independence.

While resource mobilization is crucial for improving the overall living conditions of refugees, it must also address the underlying issue of GBV which are often rooted in negative social gender norms that disproportionately disadvantage women and girls in local refugee communities. In some cases, women and girls are forced into transactional sex or other forms of exploitation as a means of survival, particularly when food and basic needs are scarce due to budget cuts from donors. This creates a vicious cycle of vulnerabilities, as survivors of GBV often face stigmatization, isolation, and further economic hardship.

While resource mobilization is crucial for improving the overall social and economic conditions of refugees, it must also address the underlying issue of negative gender norms that underpin practices, behaviors and behaviors that sustain gender-based violence (GBV). In other words, transforming masculinities remain an important factor in tackling gender-based violence. This needs to go hand in hand with economic empowerment of women and girls. In many instances, women and girls are forced into transactional sex or other forms of exploitation as a means of survival, especially when food and basic needs become scarce due to budget cuts from donors. This simply exacerbates the increasing trends of vulnerability ad also significantly increases the risk of HIV transmission among these populations. Survivors of GBV often find themselves in precarious situations where negotiating for safe sex can be risky. The trauma associated with violence that many experience can hinder their ability to advocate for their health, making them more susceptible to unprotected sex and having multiple sexual partners. Moreover, the stigma surrounding GBV and HIV can further lead to social isolation that discourages survivors from health-seeking behaviors such as going for HIV testing and treatment.

Furthermore, the economic self-reliance initiatives aimed at uplifting refugee women frequently fall short because they do not adequately account for the unique challenges women and girls face. Many women in refugee settlements shoulder household responsibilities, such as caring for children and the elderly which limit their time and ability to participate in income-generating activities. Additionally, the lack of adequate legal protection and support services for GBV survivors exacerbates these vulnerabilities and leave women and girls exposed to continued violence, abuse and exploitation.

Various interventions have been implemented by partners to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) by focusing on both response and prevention interventions. These initiatives are designed to create a comprehensive approach that not only addresses the immediate needs of survivors but also works to change the underlying societal norms that perpetuate violence. One of the key components of this effort includes the organization of monthly awareness sessions. These sessions serve as an educational platform for the community, where participants can learn about the different forms of GBV, including physical, emotional, and economic abuse, as well as the subtle ways in which these issues manifest within the local contexts. By raising awareness, these sessions aim to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding GBV, encouraging community members to recognize and challenge and tackle harmful behaviors and attitudes. In addition to awareness-raising, capacity-building activities have been organized to empower women and girls within the community. Where training programs focus on equipping women with the skills and knowledge necessary to take on decision-making roles and defend their rights in various spheres of life, including family, community, and professional settings, they equip them to confidently shape their social and economic worlds. By fostering leadership skills and confidence, these programs aim to create a generation of women who are not only aware of their rights but are also prepared to advocate for themselves and others. Complementing these training initiatives with mentorship sessions further helps provide a safe and supportive space for women and girls to share their experiences, support each other and come up with new approaches to changing circumstances and expressions of GBV. In encouraging open dialogue, allowing participants to discuss the challenges they face and learn from one another's journeys these sessions can help initiate the creation of peer support network that foster a sense of community and solidarity that help break the isolation that many survivors of GBV experience and suffer.

To effectively address the issues that survivors of GBV face, it is essential to integrate GBV prevention and response mechanisms in all refugee response interventions. The integration could includes providing safe spaces for women and girls, offering counseling and legal support, and ensuring that livelihood programs are designed with a gender-sensitive approach. Resource mobilization efforts should not only focus on food and financial assistance but also on creating sustainable social support systems that empower women and girls to live lives free from violence including GBV.

As Uganda continues to host refugees from diverse backgrounds, including women and girls who are disproportionately affected by GBV, it is crucial that resources are mobilized and used in ways that empower these vulnerable groups. By addressing both the immediate needs for safety and physical security and the long-term goals of economic empowerment and self-reliance, resource mobilization efforts and use can lead to lasting positive change for women and girls in refugee Settlements, ultimately contributing to the safe and prosperous women and girls who utilize the existing opportunities for their improved wellbeing.