25/06/2021 – PhD Defence: Essays on Conflict-Induced Displacement and Gender in Colombia
Findings indicate that displacement accelerated reductions in household size and increased the prevalence of single female caregivers and one-person households. Some of these changes are driven by marital separations resulting from tensions associated with changes in traditional gender roles. Specifically, displaced women work more hours than their male partners, they are more likely to be the main breadwinners in their households, and prone to participating in political organizations.
The dissertation also shows that displaced households are poorer than non-displaced households. Over time, however, the risk of poverty decreases more rapidly among households that were forced to flee. Despite these improvements, many displaced households remain chronically poor or vulnerable to poverty; in particular, single caregivers and households consisting of multiple generations with children.
Finally, displacement is one of the worst victimizations of civilians, but it can also offer opportunities to challenge norms around the appropriate role of women and men in society. In Colombia, gender norms that condone violence against women become less traditional with displacement, while those that limit women’s economic opportunities become more rigid.
Venue: Aula, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, Maastricht
Date: 25 June 2021
Time: 09:30 – 11:00