CDSSEA 18 Gender, Conflict-induced Displacement and Livelihood: A Case Study of Lana Zupja Camp, Kachin State, Myanmar

CDSSEA 18 Gender, Conflict-induced Displacement and Livelihood: A Case Study of Lana Zupja Camp, Kachin State, Myanmar Author: Ying Lwin This research explored how the conflict has changed IDPs lives, forced to adopt new livelihood strategies after displacement. Human security was one of the major challenges among IDPs during their stay in the camp. The challenge of creating a new livelihood led to changes in gender roles and relations among camp residents. In some families, women became the main income earners in the absence of men. Women gained new decision-making power within their family due to their newfound economic responsibilities. Moreover, women had the chance to participate in the community as public administrators, something that they had never done before displacement. Yet, despite positive changes, men still dominated the highest decision-making roles in the community, and there was evidence of gender-based violence in the camp.