‘I Dream of Going Home’: Gendered Experiences of Adolescent Syrian Refugees in Jordan’s Azraq Camp

Jude Sajdi (), Aida Essaid, Clara Miralles Vila, Hala Abu Taleb, Majed Abu Azzam and Agnieszka Malachowska
Additional contact information
Jude Sajdi: Information and Research Center – King Hussein Foundation
Aida Essaid: Information and Research Center – King Hussein Foundation
Clara Miralles Vila: Information and Research Center – King Hussein Foundation
Hala Abu Taleb: Information and Research Center – King Hussein Foundation
Majed Abu Azzam: Information and Research Center – King Hussein Foundation

The European Journal of Development Research, 2021, vol. 33, issue 5, No 3, 1189-1208

Abstract: Abstract Although the influx of Syrian refugees in Jordan initially attracted considerable international humanitarian support, funding has declined recently, and labour market restrictions have tightened. Adolescents in Azraq refugee camp face particular challenges due to its unique characteristics, including strong surveillance and security measures and a remote desert location, which affords only limited mobility and income-generating opportunities. Instead of offering protection and security for displaced Syrians, the camp has become a ‘violent space’. This article explores the experiences of younger (10–12 years) and older (15–17 years) adolescent girls and boys in Azraq camp. It provides insights into their gendered experiences in four capability domains—education, voice and agency, bodily integrity and freedom from violence, and psychosocial wellbeing—highlighting key vulnerabilities that need to be addressed to deliver the Leave No One Behind agenda. The findings suggest that when planning programmes and services, the government, international community and civil society actors working with adolescent refugees in Azraq need to take into consideration spatial dimensions of vulnerability. Such efforts should ensure that programmes are designed and implemented in an inclusive and accessible way so that male and female adolescents in specific camp settings can overcome the constraints that they uniquely face.

Keywords: Adolescent; Syria; Refugee; Camp; Capabilities; Leave no one behind (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.1057/s41287-021-00450-9

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