Empowering Refugee Women: Education and Policy for Inclusive Growth in Ethiopia

The study highlights significant gender disparities in employment among refugees and host communities in Ethiopia, exacerbated by systemic barriers like limited education and access to resources. It emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive policies, education, and infrastructure to promote economic inclusion and equitable opportunities for women.

A study explores gender disparities in economic opportunities among refugees and host communities in Ethiopia, drawing on data from the Ethiopia Skills Profile Survey (2017). Conducted in collaboration with the World Bank, UNHCR, and other research institutions, the study sheds light on how systemic gender inequalities exacerbate the challenges faced by women in forced displacement settings. It highlights how factors such as household structure, education, and policy reform influence employment outcomes, revealing stark differences between male and female economic participation.

The findings indicate significant gender gaps in labor market participation, with women in both refugee and host communities being less likely to secure employment than men. This disparity is attributed to structural barriers such as limited access to land and education, as well as caregiving responsibilities. Households headed by women or those with more adult women show slightly higher female employment rates, suggesting the importance of social support systems. However, the presence of young children significantly reduces women’s ability to participate in economic activities. Education is identified as a key enabler of employment, as higher levels of attainment strongly correlate with wage employment opportunities for both genders. Yet, refugee women face a disadvantage compared to host women, as their access to secondary and higher education remains limited, constraining their economic prospects.

The Role of Policy in Shaping Refugee Opportunities

Ethiopia's policy landscape has historically shaped the livelihood opportunities available to refugees. Until 2019, strict encampment policies and legal barriers prevented refugees from working or moving freely. The 2019 Refugee Proclamation marked a transformative shift, granting refugees the right to work, access social and financial services, and live outside camps. While this reform has the potential to enhance economic inclusion, its implementation has been slow and uneven, leaving many refugees dependent on humanitarian aid. Eritrean refugees, for example, have benefited more from the new policies than other groups due to early pilot programs targeting their communities.

The structural challenges, including underdeveloped markets and limited infrastructure in refugee-hosting regions, further restrict economic opportunities. Refugee households, particularly those headed by women, are disproportionately dependent on aid. These systemic barriers underscore the need for more effective implementation of refugee rights and targeted support to facilitate self-reliance and economic participation.

Regional Disparities and Cultural Dynamics in Refugee Livelihoods

The study highlights significant regional disparities in employment opportunities for refugees. Somali refugees enjoy better access to livelihoods due to cultural and linguistic similarities with their host communities, which promote integration and cooperation. In contrast, South Sudanese and Sudanese refugees face greater challenges, with limited access to resources and heightened dependence on aid. Refugee women in the Benishangul-Gumuz region are particularly disadvantaged, with low participation in agricultural and self-employment activities due to restricted access to land.

The regional variations also extend to the types of work refugees can pursue. Somali refugees often engage in small-scale trade, retail, and farming, while South Sudanese refugees are primarily reliant on humanitarian aid. These disparities point to the importance of localized solutions that address specific challenges in different refugee-hosting regions.

Education: A Pathway to Economic Inclusion for Refugees

Education plays a pivotal role in bridging gender gaps in employment. Refugee women with secondary or tertiary education are significantly more likely to find work, underscoring the importance of investing in education and skill development. However, cultural norms, limited access to schools, and the high dependency ratios in refugee households often prevent women from pursuing higher education.

To address these challenges, the study recommends expanding access to technical and vocational training tailored to the needs of refugees. By equipping women with market-relevant skills, such programs can enhance their employability and foster self-reliance. Additionally, efforts to close gender gaps in education must account for the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of refugee communities.

Toward Gender-Responsive Policies and Inclusive Development

The study emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive policies to address systemic barriers faced by refugee and host women. Expanding access to childcare services in refugee shelters and host neighborhoods is a crucial step toward reducing the burden of unpaid care work. Improved access to reproductive health services would empower women to make informed decisions about family size, further enhancing their economic opportunities.

The findings also underscore the importance of addressing discrimination and social norms that limit women's participation in the workforce. The Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis reveals that most gender disparities in employment cannot be explained by observable factors like education or household characteristics, indicating the need for policies that actively combat bias and promote equity.

Investments in infrastructure and market development in refugee-hosting regions are critical to creating employment opportunities for both refugees and hosts. Initiatives such as industrial parks and irrigation schemes must prioritize gender equity to ensure women can fully participate in these opportunities. Community-based programs promoting peaceful coexistence between refugees and hosts are equally important, as they can foster mutual support and shared economic growth.

By addressing these challenges, Ethiopia has the potential to transform forced displacement into an opportunity for inclusive development. The 2019 Refugee Proclamation offers a promising framework, but its success depends on effective implementation and targeted support. Proactive measures, such as disseminating information about new rights and providing resources for entrepreneurship, can help refugee women fully benefit from these reforms. Ongoing data collection and evaluation of gender-specific impacts are essential to ensure that interventions are effective and equitable.

Through a multifaceted approach that combines policy reform, education, and infrastructure investment, Ethiopia can bridge gender gaps in refugee livelihoods and create a more inclusive and equitable environment for displaced populations and their host communities. This transformative vision not only benefits refugees but also strengthens the social and economic fabric of the country as a whole.