THE TUCSON REFUGEE EXPERIENCE: A GENDER ANALYSIS OF THE TUCSON INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE

Abstract

In crisis zones, women and girls face discrimination, sexism, gender-based violence, and a lack of equal opportunity that threatens their lives and robs them of their potential at a much higher rate than men. Unfortunately, several of the hardships they yearn to leave behind follow them all the way through to their final country of resettlement. When the United States agrees to accept a refugee for resettlement, they must ensure all individuals have the same opportunity to resettle successfully – regardless of their gender or social status. Through various data collection methods, this report provides the Tucson-based International Rescue Committee (IRC) with suggestions on how to better serve their female-identifying clients through gender-transformative programming. In particular, it identifies the key issues and concerns female refugees face in reaching self-sufficiency in the Tucson community. Both the existing literature and findings from this study highlight the heightened need for resettlement agencies across the nation to implement effective programming directed towards the distinctive experiences of women and girls.