Influence of Cultural Practices on the Wellbeing of Women Refugees in Ifo 1 Camp Dadaab Kenya

Abstract

This study set out to establish the influence of cultural practices on the wellbeing of refugee women in Ifo 1 camp Dadaab Kenya. The objectives of the study was to examine how Sexual Violence influences the wellbeing of women refugees; to determine how Female Genital Mutilation influences the wellbeing of women refugees; to establish how the age at marriage influences the wellbeing of women refugees; and to assess how use of family planning methods influences the wellbeing of women refugees. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey; target population was 36,128 women refugees in Ifo 1 camp Dadaab, 100 women were identified as the sample size by use of formula, n=N/1+N (e) 2 . Simple random sampling design was used, structured interviews to obtain information and questionnaires as data collection tools. Data was then analyzed, summarized and presented in form of frequency tables, percentages and proportions. 100% of respondents reported to have experienced or knew someone in the camp who had experienced sexual violence. Sexual harassment was reported to be popular as a form of sexual violence with majority of perpetrators being intimate partners or husbands. Majority of women (M= 4.27; SD=1.299) had undergone or knew someone who underwent through FGM in the camp, while excision, as a type of FGM was the most popular. Women (M= 4.52; SD=0.1154) got married or knew someone in the camp who got married before attaining age of 18 years, majority reported to have married voluntarily. Most women were using or had used family planning methods. Majority of women reported that sexual violence, FGM, Age they got married and women not using family planning methods caused them either unwanted pregnancies, low self-esteem, STIs, family breakages/instability, withdrawal behaviors, stigma and gynecological complications. There was correlation between each of the independent variables of sexual violence, FGM, age at marriage and use of family planning methods and wellbeing of women refugees. The findings of the study can be used as baseline information especially for Gender-Based Violence projects. The study will also inform UNHCR GBV protection programmes in Dadaab refugee camp, for their Country Operations Planning (COP) and for refugee set up worldwide. The study will provide knowledge which expounds on other studies carried out by researchers on impact on health and education. The Kenyan government, through the ministry of public service, youth and gender affairs will use the research findings in strategic planning and will also inform gender-based programs. The study recommends awareness creation and advocacy for more women and girls to pursue education beyond primary level and also to have those that have never attended school, get enrolled in school and agencies in camps to create employment opportunities. Sharing of family burdens or responsibilities by both men and women, sensitization on harmful cultural practices and their effects is necessary for change of mindset by communities, a rights-based approach is recommended and more psychosocial support services will ensure effective response to sexual violence, FGM, girls who are married before attaining age of 18 years and use of family planning to reduce its impacts and help survivors cope with the rampant effects.