Beyond advancing academic knowledge in the areas of development and refugee studies, the ‘Displacement and Women’s Economic Empowerment in Iraq’ project sought to impact displaced women’s lives in Iraq by examining the implications of livelihood policies and projects. Livelihood interventions have become a key focus in (non)governmental responses to displacement.
In the context of Iraq, livelihood is placed at the heart of the early recovery and resilience agenda, emphasising the need to provide livelihood opportunities for displaced women, as well as women in host communities, by identifying emergency jobs and employment opportunities. Adopting a gender perspective in relation to long-term responses to displacement, such as livelihood, is essential. The lack of a gender perspective hinders displaced women and excludes them from having a meaningful impact on the design and development of support systems. Yet, displaced women and girls are more likely to experience livelihood deprivation than men. Meaning the impact of displacement on women is disproportionate due to gendered vulnerabilities.
This project reiterates the importance of addressing the gendered dimensions of conflict-induced displacement and aims to generate impact through engaging non-academic users with academic research, such as relevant policymakers and members of international civil society organisations.