Gender dimensions of war and displacement: Experiences of refugees from the Central African Republic in Cameroon

Abstract

abstract Ensuring that planned processes, programmes and interventions recognise that the underlying inequalities and differential needs of women and men are still impeded by the failure to apply gender considerations, thereby perpetuating inequality, is vital in the refugee crisis plaguing the international community. The current trend of literature on refugees is mostly slanted to the growing number of refugees and policy towards the refugee population worldwide. Little attention is paid to the gender gaps in the daily experiences encountered by male and female refugees. This article emanates from a research study that examined gender issues in the management of refugees from the Central African Republic at the Lolo refugee camp in Cameroon’s East Region. It assesses the adequacy of the provision of services and programmes in ensuring durable solutions that can address the differential needs of male and female refugees and helping them overcome their challenges. Data for this qualitative study was collected through focus group discussions, interviews, and participant observation. Findings revealed that despite the efforts made by organisations working with refugees, most of the services are inadequate and gender dynamics are not adequately factored into the management of refugees. There is clear evidence of voiceless, powerless women who are under the spell of the strong hold of culture. It is expected that this study will serve as a reference document for international organisations working in the field of refugee management and protection, to consider making gender a critical variable in their programmes and services for refugee protection. It is suggested that there is a need for a feminist approach to humanitarian aid.