The impact of conflict within the Middle-East - whether in Palestine, Iraq or Syria - has caused the displacement of millions of people the majority of whom seek refuge in neighbouring countries. Thus, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey have been the major recipients of displaced refugees either into camps or, as informal settlers in the poorer peripheral areas of large cities such as Beirut, Ankara and Amman. Within this volatile context, women and children are particularly affected bearing the brunt of displacement, poverty and gender based violence. Seeking acceptance and redress to such issues through employment is difficult as male refugees have very limited formal employment opportunities whilst for women, gender norms limit such options. This scenario is exacerbated by the disruption of traditional family norms with the loss of male breadwinners through the effects of conflict and abandonment.

To counter poverty and dependency, micro-entrepreneurship is deemed increasingly important; it offers opportunities for women to use traditional skills to create artisan goods and services.

Within this seminar, we present evidence from an Economic and Social Research Council & Department for International Development funded intervention project regarding the efficacy of micro-enterprise to change lives. Working with refugee women in Beirut, Amman and Ankara and a range of intermediary organisations, we critically evaluate the potential of micro-enterprise to generate income, offer independence and empowerment to women whose lives have been devastated by conflict, violence and forced displacement.

The evening seminar will be followed by drinks and canapes in The Ingenuity Centre.