Refugee women are often said to be one of the most vulnerable groups in camp situations. Yet the traditional socioeconomic anomalies women have come to bear as a result of their gender, coupled with the largely male-targeted refugee assistance policies, have made them extremely dependent on male members in terms of camp bureaucracy and facilities. Traditionally African women are closely associated with land which is the exclusive source of food, and this gives them a position and power in their community. Therefore, life in exile means detachment of women from their traditional land. This, in addition to the replacement of 'land' by 'ration cards' largely issued to male members, has not only deprived women of their position and power, but has also accentuated their dependence.
Refugee women view the question of repatriation with mixed options.
Repatriation means their return to the old traditional Land to start the rebuilding of a long anticipated future. For them, life in exile has promised neither present nor future. Surprisingly, the presence of male members in the family has made them more vulnerable and more dependent. Most of them hardly step outside the family circle. This has somewhat obstructed them from taking some of the very few opportunities available to learn new skills and make new friends.