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What role should gender play in the resettlement process for refugees?

Catharine Risman

Hey there,

Thanks for asking me about my thoughts on the role of gender in the resettlement process for refugees. To give you a brief answer upfront - gender plays a very critical role in this process. Let me explain why.

Firstly, it is important to understand that refugees face unique challenges when it comes to resettlement, and these challenges can vary based on their gender. For instance, women and girls often have to deal with sexual violence, exploitation, and discrimination during the resettlement process. They may also be limited in terms of access to education and vocational training which can impact their ability to find sustainable employment.

On the other hand, men and boys may face unique challenges related to masculinity and expectations around providing for their families. They may face a stigma around not being able to find work or support their family financially, which can lead to feelings of low self-worth and shame.

Given all of this, resettlement initiatives need to take into account the diverse needs and vulnerabilities of women, men, girls, and boys. They need to ensure that everyone has equal access to resources, opportunities, and support systems that can help them integrate successfully into their new communities.

So what are some of the practical ways in which resettlement programs can address these gender differences? Here are a few suggestions:

- Creating gender-sensitive policies: This means considering the specific needs and concerns of women, men, girls, and boys while designing policies, procedures, and processes related to resettlement. For instance, policies should include ways to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, ensure access to education and vocational training for women and girls, and provide support to men and boys who may be struggling with feelings of inadequacy or lack of purpose.

- Providing gender-specific services: Resettlement programs can also offer tailored services that cater to the unique needs of each gender. This could include providing safe spaces for women to meet and socialize, offering counseling services to men and boys who may be struggling with mental health issues, and creating educational programs that focus on gender equality and empowerment.

- Engaging women and men in decision-making: Finally, it's essential to ensure that women and men have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. This means involving them in the planning and implementation of resettlement programs and ensuring that their voices are heard and valued.

In conclusion, the role of gender in the resettlement process for refugees is significant. It's essential to recognize the diverse needs and vulnerabilities of women, men, girls, and boys during this process and to design policies and programs that are gender-sensitive and inclusive. By doing so, we can help refugees to integrate successfully into their new communities and rebuild their lives with dignity and respect.

Hope this helps!