Coping Mechanisms amongst Refugee Women and Girls in Post Conflict Situations: A Case of Lusaka Urban Center

Abstract

Women and girls constitute over half of displaced populations globally, yet their perspectives and needs often go overlooked in policymaking and humanitarian response. This study explores the coping mechanisms utilized by refugee women and girls in post-conflict urban displacement contexts, focusing specifically on Lusaka, Zambia. Adopting a qualitative approach, the research examines the challenges faced, strategies for meeting daily needs, and process of accessing services for refugee women and girls relocated to Zambia's capital. Key findings reveal profound systemic discrimination and barriers obstructing refugees' ability to integrate and meet basic needs. With inadequate access to facilities and widespread harassment, women rely heavily on fragile social networks, exploitative informal work, and inconsistent aid to survive. Despite resilience displayed through faith, help-seeking, and resolute endurance, social isolation, and barriers navigating complex bureaucracies exacerbate risks. Ultimately the study exposes policy and programming failures fulfilling protection obligations, necessitating urgent actions to empower displaced females. Recommendations include improving access to services, fostering social inclusion, enabling livelihoods, strengthening legal protections, and embracing participatory approaches led by refugee women themselves. Fulfilling commitments to this vulnerable group requires comprehensive reforms addressing root causes of marginalization across sectors.