From Policy to Practice : Addressing the Challenges of Women Refugees in the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, Uganda

Abstract: This applied social sciences case study examines the efficiency of the ‘Yumbe Local Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security’ in addressing the perceived and experienced adversities of women refugees in the Bidibidi refugee settlement, Uganda. This is done by collecting data from the Bidibidi settlement through interviews and discussions with the refugee and host population, as well as with relevant organizations and governmental actors. The findings have been contrasted with a document analysis of the Yumbe Local Action Plan and identifies significant deviances between the challenges faced by women refugees and the objectives outlined in the action plan. These deviances include particular exposure to direct, sexual, and structural violence as a result of limited access to resources in the settlement, such as food and water, coupled with interventions resembling the criticized ‘Women in Development’-paradigm, and a constrained political will for action. This study recommends policymakers of the action plan to enhance collaboration among stakeholders, address the structural factors contributing to women’s inequality, and strengthen evaluation and legal mechanisms in place to bridge the identified gap between policy and practice.