Social Mobility of Rohingya Women in a Small Refugee Camp in Chennai, India: A Case Study

Abstract

Conflict and displacement are gendered processes which impact women in refugee communities in various ways. The following case study, in a small refugee camp in Chennai, explores whether the design of a small refugee camp allows for increased mobility among women and a different position for female refugees in the community. Findings from a two-year long study, including participant observations, FGDs and interviews, show that Rohingya women gained social mobility by accessing schools, market places, health centers and the police station outside the camp. Through such interactions, women gained skills and knowledge which somewhat altered their position in the camp.