Examining the gendered and socio-economic impact of refugee integration: a case study of Nakivaale Refugee Settlement

Abstract

The study examines the gendered and socio-economic impacts of refugee integration in Nakivaale Refugee Settlement, Uganda‘s oldest and one of its largest refugee settlements. Uganda‘s progressive refugee policy framework grants refugees‘ rights to work, move, and access social services, yet the integration process remains complex and uneven, particularly when viewed through the lens of gender. While existing scholarship often treats refugees as a homogeneous group, this study highlights how men and women experience displacement and integration differently, shaped by structural inequalities, traditional roles, and intersecting vulnerabilities. The research employed an exploratory design combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A sample of 200 refugees was surveyed using structured questionnaires, while 20 key informant interviews and focus group discussions with male and female refugees provided deeper insights into gendered experiences. Thematic and narrative analysis of qualitative data was triangulated with descriptive and inferential statistics to capture both the breadth and depth of gendered integration dynamics. Findings reveal significant disparities in employment, access to social services, and social inclusion. Men were more likely to access income-generating opportunities in construction, farming, and petty trade, though many reported stresses linked to cultural expectations of being providers. Women‘s livelihoods were predominantly informal and home-based, constrained by caregiving responsibilities, mobility restrictions, and gender-based violence. Their reproductive health needs were underserved, and barriers such as inadequate facilities, stigma, and lack of resources worsened their vulnerabilities. Access to education was also gendered, with girls disproportionately affected by early marriage, pregnancy, and lack of menstrual health support. Despite these barriers, women displayed resilience by forming savings groups and community networks that served both economic and psychosocial functions. The study also uncovered broader socio-economic impacts of refugee integration on host communities. While refugee presence stimulated local markets, increased demand for goods, and created new opportunities, particularly for women traders, male hosts often perceived refugees as competitors in scarce labor markets, fostering tensions and exclusionary attitudes. Social cohesion outcomes were mixed, with women from both communities (refugees and host) showing greater openness to collaboration compared to men. Leadership and decision-making structures remained largely male-dominated, with women marginalized from formal representation despite their active roles in household and community survival. The study concludes that refugee integration is a gendered process with differentiated opportunities and constraints for men and women. It recommends scaling up gender-sensitive policies and programs, including tailored livelihood support, childcare provision, reproductive health services, and inclusive governance mechanisms that strengthen women‘s participation. By foregrounding gender, this study contributes to more equitable refugee integration strategies that enhance the resilience and well-being of both refugees and host communities in Nakivaale and similar contexts.