Analysing the implementation of refugee laws and policies in relation to women and girls: A case of Kampala, Uganda

Significant numbers of refugee women and girls are increasingly migrating from one country to another in the Eastern African region, in this case, to Uganda. A series of factors prompt women and girls to migrate, among which are fleeing political and economic unrest; escaping sexual and gender-based violence in their families and communities; the search for better socio-economicopportunities, including better-paying employment; the hope of improving their quality of life; and access to education. On a positive note, by escaping their communities, women and girls are freed from restrictive and sometimes harmful gender norms, thus gaining the opportunity to enhance their autonomy, self-esteem and, ultimately, their social standing. Furthermore, by gaining access to employment and education, they are able to contribute to their families back home, thereby improving their decision-making power and authority in their families and communities. Conversely, refugee women and girls face a series of obstacles and difficulties, such as difficulties in accessing housing and basic infrastructure; negative changes in gender roles; challenges with accessing timely and quality health care, including sexual and reproductive health; failure to access employment/access to decent work and social protection; exclusion from political participation; violence; security threats; and a lack of access to justice. Using a documentary review approach, the article interrogates the implementation of refugee laws and policies in relation to women and girls. The geographical scope is on refugees from Eastern African countries such as South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Burundi and Rwanda, into Kampala slums in Uganda.