EMPOWERING ROHINGYA WOMEN FOR A SUSTAINABLE REFUGEE CAMP

Abstract

A refugee crisis is one of the major global problems that the world is facing today. Over the few last decades, discrimination and cruel behavior has resulted in the mass displacement of Rohingya from Rakhine state of Myanmar, with substantial numbers fleeing to neighboring countries and beyond, including Bangladesh. As the Myanmar government refuses to give Rohingya any citizenship rights, the vast majority of Rohingya have no legal documentation which is effectively making them stateless. Most of the fleeing population is young women and children. The Rohingya women residing in the Bangladeshi camps do not have access to clean water, drinking water, proper latrines and sanitation facilities which are obstacles towards development and acceptable public health. Rapid breeding of Rohingya babies is one of the major challenges in the camps. STIs are present in a high percentage among Rohingya. Gender-based violence is frequently reported by Rohingya girls and women, which is also a reason STIs are increasing.

In keeping in mind, the current status of Rohingya women, some post conflict reconstructive measures have been put forward for a sustainable camp. These include women empowerment in safe spaces, life skills training, psycho-social support, women’s participation, decision-making and leadership. The male and female Rohingya refugees should be brought together as a group as part of capacity building. 

If women are empowered, a sustainable society can be expected as women play a dual role in the society, both as bread-winner in case of single women and family member.