INNOVISION Consulting, in partnership with UN Women, is undertaking a comprehensive gender analysis to address the economic disparities faced by women in Rohingya refugee camps and host communities in Cox’s Bazar. The study focuses on economic empowerment, resilience, and livelihood development, aiming to identify barriers and opportunities for women’s economic participation.
Bangladesh currently hosts nearly one million Rohingya refugees, with women making up 52% of this population. Despite their significant presence, only 6% of Rohingya women are engaged in income-generating activities, compared to two-thirds of men. The 2023 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment highlights that 71% of refugee households face barriers to income generation, with just 14% reporting earnings from small businesses. Vocational training programs, often limited to stereotypically female skills like tailoring, fail to meet market demands, further restricting women’s economic opportunities. Additionally, domestic violence increases when women seek employment outside the home without their husbands’ consent.
The crisis has also severely impacted women’s economic empowerment in Cox’s Bazar’s host communities. Increased competition for limited jobs and resources has exacerbated socio-economic challenges, hindering women’s ability to achieve financial independence.
INNOVISION’s team is currently collecting primary data from Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, the Bhasan Char settlement, and host communities in Ukhiya and Teknaf. Through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a quantitative survey involving approximately 1,200 participants, the study aims to provide actionable insights into the barriers and opportunities for women’s economic empowerment.
This initiative underscores INNOVISION Consulting’s commitment to addressing gender disparities and fostering resilience among vulnerable communities. By understanding the unique challenges faced by women in both Rohingya and host communities, Innovision aims to design targeted interventions that promote sustainable livelihoods and economic independence.
Stay with us as we uncover the stories behind the statistics and work towards empowering women to overcome barriers and achieve economic resilience.