The effect of Women Empowerment on Gender-Based Violence in the Syrian Refugees` Community in Jordan: Perspectives for Refugee-Related organizations

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Lilana Sukkari

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany

: Int J Ment Health Psychiatry

Abstract

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Statement of the problem: Gender-based violence (SGBV) among Syrian refugees comprises many forms such as domestic violence, intimate partner violence, rape, sexual abuse and exploitation, early and forced marriages. The violence happened in the home country and in Jordan. GBV violence against women leads to severe short- and longterm physical, sexual and mental health problems for women. It also harms their children’s health and well-being Consequently, planned and systematic efforts to accomplish gender equality and fairness in family and community life are necessary to respond to these pressing needs, namely, empowering women. The purpose of the development of women's empowerment is to enhance the conditions status and position of women in order to achieve equal advancement with men. Nevertheless, few studies indicate the adverse; which is the increase of violence against women when empowerment opportunities are offered. Therefore it would be useful for this research to carefully examine the effect of women empowerment (WE) on gender-based violence (GBV), and determine new prospects for women empowerment to lessen and prevent GBV. Methodology & theoretical orientation: For the purposes of this study, the collection of personal sensitive data is required. Therefore, the qualitative approach will be the most appropriate research method. Semi-structured in-depth interviews with survivors of violence as well as the women empowerment organizations. Data analysis will be executed based on content analysis. Expected findings: Empowerment programs that are directed to women only may lead to a higher level of violence, however, when empowerment programs are integrated with other programs that might bring benefits to other family members, they could lessen the violence level against women and adolescent girls. Conclusion: Refugee-Related organizations in Jordan and other refugee- based counties should plan their empowerment programs carefully to provide the required support and achieve the ultimate objective of eliminating GBV.

Biography

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Lilana Sukkari is a doctoral researcher at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg in the area of economics and sustainability and a previous researcher at the University of Jordan, she has worked as a research consultant with a German NGO in Jordan on providing psychological support for Syrian refugees. She is a coauthor in several published articles and a reviewer in several academic peer-reviewed journals.