Echoes of Resilience: Unveiling the Gender Dynamics of Crisis, Displacement and Migration

In our story, “Ayo: The Face of Gender Inequalities, Gender Poverty, and Resilience?” [https://lnkd.in/eUfea_Gt ], Ayo and her family faced different challenges, including poverty, drought in Nuru, and conflicts in Kijiji that forced them to migrate several times. Let me remind you:

Climate change: “Amina, Ayo’s mother, noticed Ayo’s prolonged absences and frequent stream trips. She knew the journey to the stream had become increasingly arduous over the years due to the drought”…“However, life in Nuru has become increasingly difficult because of climate change. Droughts and food shortages plagued the village, forcing Ayo’s family and many others to migrate for better opportunities and a more secure future. Ayo’s family made the difficult decision to leave their beloved village behind.”

Challenges in the Host community: “Their journey was filled with challenges and hardships, but Ayo’s resilience shone through as she supported her family and community with unwavering strength. They eventually settled in a new village called Kijiji, which was more fertile, bringing additional income to the family and allowing Ayo to start a little grocery shop while continuing her education. However, new struggles awaited them in Kijiji, as not everyone welcomed the influx of newcomers”.

Conflict in the new community: “When conflict erupted in Kijiji, Ayo’s family had to flee again, embarking on a perilous journey in search of safety and a new beginning. Ayo’s resilience guided them through the darkest of times. After months of struggles, they finally found asylum in Europe, in a bustling city called Lalaland”.

Ayo and her family are a testament to their resilience amidst the turmoil. In their journey, they confront poverty, drought, and conflict, forced to migrate multiple times for safety and stability. Ayo's story mirrors that of millions of migrants and displaced women worldwide, facing similar ordeals in their quest for a better life.

The impact of crises on various aspects of society is undeniable. From natural disasters to political unrest and wars, crises can have far-reaching consequences that affect everyone. However, it is essential to understand the specific issues and challenges women face during these turbulent times. Women often bear the brunt of crises and are disproportionately impacted by the resulting gender inequality.

Navigating Crises

Crises exacerbate gender inequality and disproportionately impact women in several ways. In developing economies in Africa and Asia, for example, the consequences of poverty are particularly severe for women. The lack of access to basic necessities such as clean water, food, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities further marginalise women in these regions.

Climate change further amplifies these inequalities. In my article “Breaking the cycle: Empowering Women in the Face of the Climate Change Threat Multiplier” [https://lnkd.in/e3nRRRJR],? I highlighted that women are often the most affected due to their roles as primary caregivers and food providers. They are more vulnerable to natural disasters and face increased poverty and malnutrition as a result. The 2022 drought in the Horn of Africa resulted in nearly a fourfold increase in child marriages in affected areas of Ethiopia[1]. As natural disasters become more frequent and severe[2], women are often left to deal with the aftermath, including loss of livelihoods, displacement, and increased vulnerability to exploitation. UN Environment estimates that 80% of people displaced globally by climate change are women.

In conflict areas such as Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Africa Sahel’s region, Myanmar, Syria, Yemen, and more, women face a myriad of challenges, including hunger, violence, displacement, and lack of access to essential services[3]. The impact of crises on women in these areas is profound, with many facing unimaginable hardships and struggling to survive in increasingly volatile environments.

• In the Gaza Strip, women face numerous challenges due to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I have heard poignant examples at the 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) side event when volunteering for UN Women UK as a CSW68 Delegate, “Invisible Struggles and Bravehearts: Being a Woman in Palestine.” 2.3 million people in Gaza are facing acute levels of food insecurity[4]. The lack of access to essential services, including healthcare and education, further exacerbates their plight. Displacement is a significant issue, with many women and their families forced to leave their homes and live in overcrowded refugee camps.
• In conflict-affected regions of Sudan, such as Darfur and South Kordofan, women face displacement, sexual violence, and the loss of their livelihoods. The ongoing conflicts have destroyed infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, and disrupted education systems, disproportionately affecting women and girls.
• In Afghanistan, women face increasing restrictions on their freedom and rights, making it difficult for them to seek help or support[5].
• In Ukraine, 52% of women surveyed said food security was one of their biggest concerns, compared to 29% of men[6].

As highlighted above, displaced and migrated women face unique challenges during times of crisis, as they are often forced to leave their homes and communities in search of safety and security. The conditions faced by these women are usually dire, with limited access to essential services, increased risk of exploitation, sexual violence, and difficulties in finding stable housing and employment. For instance, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine saw a surge in European Human trafficking, with women at increased risk of exploitation and abuse. One official from Sweden in a CSW68 event on Human trafficking in Europe mentioned how they saw a surge of demand for Ukrainian Porn in Sweden following the increase in refugees from Ukraine in Sweden.

Despite their challenges, women have shown incredible resilience, often acting as shock absorbers in times of crisis. In the face of climate change, women have taken on leadership roles in advocating for sustainable solutions and adaptation strategies. Women have been at the forefront of peacebuilding efforts in war zones or even fought in conflict zones to defend their territories. During World War II, women played a crucial role in the war effort, taking on jobs traditionally held by men.[7]

Echoes of displaced and migrants women

As displaced and migrated populations, including women, continue to grow in areas perceived as safer or economically more stable, addressing the challenges they face in host countries is essential. This includes ensuring access to safe and affordable housing, addressing job issues, and supporting women to rebuild their lives in the face of crisis. Providing support and opportunities for these women to reconstruct their lives and fully contribute to their new communities is essential for social cohesion and long-term stability.

Addressing migrants and displaced women's struggles in times of crises

A gender-responsive humanitarian approach is imperative to address the gendered dimensions of crisis and migration. This entails recognising women's unique needs and challenges, ensuring access to resources and support, and promoting their meaningful participation in decision-making processes.

The following are selected gender-responsive solutions to address challenges faced by migrant and displaced women:

• Gender-sensitive reception centers—Establish reception centers specifically designed to meet the needs of women and girls. These centers should include separate sleeping areas, sanitary facilities, and access to reproductive health services. They should also provide psychosocial support and counseling services tailored to the experiences and challenges faced by displaced women.
• Women-led safe spaces—Creating safe spaces within refugee camps or host communities exclusively for women and girls. These spaces provide a supportive environment where women can[8] access information, receive counseling, participate in skills training, and engage in income-generating activities. Women-led safe spaces also serve as platforms for women to voice their concerns and participate in decision-making.
• Gender-sensitive health service—Ensuring that healthcare services in refugee camps or host communities are gender-responsive and address the specific health needs of displaced women. This includes access to reproductive health services, maternal healthcare, mental health support, and addressing gender-based violence through comprehensive and survivor-centered services.
• Gender-responsive livelihood programs—Providing vocational training and income-generating opportunities tailored to displaced women's skills and interests. This can include training in sectors such as agriculture, handicrafts, or small business management. Additionally, ensuring that women have equal access to financial services and resources to start and sustain their businesses. This can include providing entrepreneurship training, access to microfinance, and support for women to start and maintain their businesses.
• Gender-inclusive language and communication—Using gender-inclusive language and communication strategies in all interactions with displaced women. This includes providing information in languages they understand, using culturally appropriate communication methods, and ensuring that women can access interpreters if needed.
• Gender-sensitive legal and policy frameworks—Developing and implementing legal and policy frameworks that address displaced women's specific needs and vulnerabilities. This includes ensuring access to legal aid and support services, addressing gender-based violence, and recognizing women's and girls' rights to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.
• Gender-inclusive social integration programs—Developing social integration programs that promote the inclusion and participation of displaced women in the host country. This includes opportunities for women to engage with local communities, participate in cultural activities, and access social support networks.
• Gender-responsive protection mechanism—Establishing gender-responsive protection mechanisms to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and discrimination. This includes training law enforcement officials, social workers, and healthcare providers on gender-sensitive approaches, establishing reporting mechanisms, and providing support services for survivors of violence.
• Gender-inclusive decision-making processes—Promoting the meaningful participation of displaced women in decision-making forums affecting their lives. This can be achieved through establishing women's committees or networks, providing training on leadership and advocacy, and creating opportunities for women to engage with local authorities and humanitarian organisations.
• Gender-responsive data collection and analysis—Collecting gender-disaggregated data and conducting gender analysis to understand better displaced women's specific needs and vulnerabilities. This data can inform the design and implementation of gender-responsive programs and policies, ensuring that interventions are evidence-based and address the unique challenges faced by women and girls in migration and displacement contexts.

In conclusion, women's issues and challenges in times of crisis are complex and multifaceted. From poverty and climate change to war zones and societal norms, women face unique challenges that require a gender-responsive approach to address. By recognising women's resilience in times of crisis and working to support their needs, we can create a more just and equitable world for all.

Perspective on Migration Challenges

As time passes, it is safe to say that we all suffer from collective amnesia, as we don’t necessarily learn from past mistakes or reflect on them. Or do we need to experience them occasionally to remember what it is like to be in a safe environment conducive to our development and growth?

We are all part of a world facing human-inflicted challenges. The instability caused by climate change, conflict areas, and the persistent consequences of poverty and underdevelopment are not distant issues. They are our issues. We cannot continue to develop for years while matters only worsen. This is not a critique; it's a reality. I, too, am part of the problem and must acknowledge it to be part of the solution.

With the growing instability, displaced and migrated populations, including women, continue to grow in areas perceived as safer or economically more stable. So yes, migration is growing in the “Western world” and will continue to grow until we address the root causes, regardless of the ever-increasing worldwide anti-immigration policies. I do not encourage the flow of migration or deny challenges faced by host countries, but I cannot blame those candidates for immigration, given their circumstances.

We must stop the hypocrisy; if we want to criminalise migration, we must also criminalise those industries that benefit from it in host countries or acknowledge that migrants, too, contribute positively to the economy. We cannot consistently maintain that we support the population fleeing from conflict zones, but only when they look like us and/or as long as they are not on our doorsteps. We cannot always decide who the “bad migrant” is and who the “good migrant” is just by looking at where they are from, their skin color, their religion and their economic background.

We can continue to blame, finger-pointing, and push away migrants fleeing from war zones, drought, tsunamis, or economically deprived economies, or we can be part of the solution and support them through their challenges in their countries and the host communities or nations. The reality is that if you choose to watch disadvantaged or struggling communities from the comfort of your mansion, remember that they make up the majority and are deeply entrenched in the realities on the ground. Their cries and struggles can shake your own stability. Just like cracks in a foundation, the consequences can be dire. Isn't this what we are currently witnessing with the migration flows?

Fatou Diome, Senegalese-French writer known for her best-selling novel "Le Ventre de l'Atlantique" in French, or "The Belly of the Atlantic" in English, once said in a brilliant interview in the French TV channel “France 2” back in 2015 referring to the migration crisis and people dying in the Mediterranean - I Just have to put it in French before I translate it - : “Si on voulait éviter que les gens meurent on le ferait... A croire que le laisser mourir est un outil disuasif… cela ne disuade personne parce que quelqu’un qui part qui envisage l’éventualité d’un échec celui-là peut trouver le péril absurde?et donc l’éviter mais celui qui part pour la survie qui considère que la vie qu’il a à perdre ne vaut rien, celui-là sa force est inou?e parce qu’il n’a pas peur de la mort… Il faut arrêter l’hypocrisie, on sera riche ensemble ou on va se noyer tous ensemble[9].” Translation : “If we wanted to prevent people from dying, we would do it... It seems that letting them die is a deterrent... but let me tell you something, it doesn't deter anyone because someone who leaves and considers the possibility of failure can find the danger absurd and avoid it. However, someone who fights for survival, who believes that the life they have to lose is worth nothing, their strength is incredible because they are not afraid of death... We must stop the hypocrisy, either we will prosper together or we will all drown together.” Quite a bold statement, yet full of wisdom if you allow yourself to think deeply. That was in 2015, nothing has changed, it’s becoming worse. I personally choose to “prosper together”.

Remember the power of your voice and actions as you reflect on these echoes of resilience. Together, let us weave a tapestry of resilience where every thread, no matter how small, contributes to the strength of our collective humanity.

• Advocate for policies and actions prioritising human life and dignity, particularly for those facing crises and displacement.
• Support initiatives that provide aid, protection, and opportunities for migrants and refugees and address the root causes of conflict, poverty, and environmental degradation.
• Encourage individuals and communities to foster empathy, solidarity, and proactive engagement to create a more just and equitable world for all.

# Uplift women affected by conflict, displacement, and migration

# Support women-led networks and organisations

# Educate girls and women

# Encourage financial inclusion for women

# Invest in women’s entrepreneurship

Kassira Y.

?

Note:

1. These are my thoughts and perspectives. Article assisted by AI for proofreading.
2. This is my personal profile, and I do not speak on behalf of any affiliated organisations unless specified.

?Copyright 2024 Olarewadjou Kassira Yacoubou. All Rights Reserved. Part of "Ayo's Quest For a Bright Future" series

[1] Feminist-climate-justice-A-framework-for-action:[https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2023-12/Feminist-climate-justice-A-framework-for-action-en.pdf]

[2] "Frontlines of climate change": Barbados builds new disaster preparedness hub - The Weather Network. https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/climate/solutions/frontlines-of-climate-change-barbados-builds-new-disaster-preparedness-hub

[3] UNICEF delivers – 11 years on | UNICEF Middle East and North Africa. https://www.unicef.org/mena/stories/unicef-delivers-11-years

[4] UN Women?: [https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/op-ed/2024/03/op-ed-how-conflict-drives-hunger-for-women-and-girls]

[5] United Nations Women - “Unstoppable Women” The Afghan Women’s Movement: [https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2024/03/unstoppable-women-the-afghan-womens-movement]

[6] UN Women: [[https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/op-ed/2024/03/op-ed-how-conflict-drives-hunger-for-women-and-girls]

[7] Kerr's World History World War 2 Pretest - Quiz, Trivia & Questions. https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=kerrs-world-history-war-2-pretest_2bb

[8] The Power of Healing: Female Empowerment in Holistic Health | Health Centre NZ. [https://healthcentre.nz/the-power-of-healing-female-empowerment-in-holistic-health/ ]

[9] Interview France 2, Fatou Diome, writer on Immigration issues: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSG_7S8ujhQ]