The Empowerment of Refugee Women
Value of this Research The broader aim of this research is to contribute to the narrative that the Syrian women in Zaatari camp are not merely passive victims, but active agents. The initial analysis reveals that women are not only contributing to familial expenses, but some households are entirely female-led. Thus, the notion that women remain dependent on men in Zaatari camp does not hold true. Women are not just staying at home to look after their children and their homes, they are acquiring the financial means that they need to sustain their livelihoods. Whether it is the poor economic conditions of the camps or changed status quo that now allows women to gain more agency and thus be empowered – it does strengthen the argument that women are active participators of the labor market in Zaatari camp. It is noteworthy that while this research aims to highlight the active role played by refugee women, it does not intend to undermine the vulnerability of women in Zaatari camp or any refugee camp, for that matter. It does take into account various vulnerabilities that are compelling women to step out of the house. Some have lost their husbands in the war or some have been divorced or abandoned. This has moved them into unchartered waters and forced them to become not only breadwinners for their families, but also the head of the family, something many of them are new to. Whether women are forced into these new gender roles or choose to take on these tasks freely, a changing socio-economic status is the result of stepping onto the labour market, which paves the way to more women empowerment in refugee camps.
Viewing women as important participants in refugee camps is crucial to their
empowerment. Therefore, it is necessary to reform the narrative of women as mere victims or dependents in refugee camps and to start viewing them as key actors. It would be interesting to see how the implementation of the Jordan Compact in other refugee hosting countries would benefit the women there. By giving out work permits and encouraging women to work, the socio-economic status of women and thus, their empowerment could be improved in other camps with similar populations and backgrounds.
15
