Assessment of the Role of Coping Mechanisms Used by Displaced Women to Improve Economic Situation for Family Survival: A Case of Unity State, South Sudan.

Msonge, Christina Zacharia (2022) Assessment of the Role of Coping Mechanisms Used by Displaced Women to Improve Economic Situation for Family Survival: A Case of Unity State, South Sudan. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

Sub Saharan and horn Africa regions experienced prolonged conflicts for many decades. South Sudan, one of the youngest nations in Africa, encountered conflict as a result of weak administration, craving for power by some political individuals trusted by citizens to lead and contribute to development of the nation as a whole. Unity State was enormously affected, it was an area of origin of opposition leader, Dr Riak Marchar. The study sought to document the impact of ongoing conflict, blockade, the humanitarian crisis as well as challenges encountered by women in Unity State, South Sudan. The objectives of this study include; to examine the extent of effects of internal conflicts to displaced women lives, to identify types of coping mechanisms used by women to improve family economic situation, to determine the challenges experienced by displaced women when participating in livelihood activities, to examine types of existing interventions to support women efforts on improving economic situation and to assess the role played by coping mechanisms in improving women economic situation in supporting their families. The study used both primary and secondary methods of data collection. The study engaged a sample size of 265 (53M, 212F) respondents. The results indicated that the majority of women were displaced, suffered loss of family members, livelihood and properties. Additionally, women encountered challenges such as sexual and gender-based violence, ignorance, insecurity as well as misuse of income from the intimate partner. Findings tell further forms of coping mechanisms adopted by women that include economic, social as well as emotional and spiritual coping mechanisms. Accordingly, it is recommended that strengthening political stability, access to formal and informal education for women and girls, as well as strengthening the justice system were among major factors that will enhance women participation in the country's economic, social and cultural development. Keywords: Conflict, displaced women, coping mechanism, economic situation, family survival.

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