ABSTRACT
The perception of forced displacement as passing phenomena and policy responses which are meant to be temporary in nature such as encampment have stunted the opportunities available to refugees. This leaves them in a state of limbo, especially in protracted situations. This chapter looks at the detrimental effect that this phenomenon has on refugee women. It also examines how policy interventions often focus on victimhood of refugee women, instead of supporting their agency and resilience. It argues for programmes which enable refugee women to live their life in secure and dignified conditions. It also highlights the need to harness the transformative potential of flight for women, who may find themselves in situations where they are able to resist patriarchal control and assert social and economic independence.
