1 - Introduction

Summary

The chapter introduces the core subject areas, case study, and research approach, as well as the overall framework of the book. Focusing on refugees’ lives in encampment in Uganda, the chapter first identifies and explains the inherently interrelated subject areas of gender-based violence, humanitarian aid, gender roles and relations, and coping strategies—each then explored in its own subsequent chapter. While of main interest is the perspectives, experiences, and practices of women, the research is not limited to them—those of women and men, of all different age groups, are consistently examined due to their mutual influences on one another. The chapter then sheds light on Uganda’s response to refugees and the case of Kyaka II, which is at the heart of the book. Although refugee protection in Uganda is often described as ‘progressive,’ the chapter summarizes the problems faced on-site and nationally, paving the way for further analysis in due course. The third part introduces the research approach taken along with reflections on ethical considerations and the writing of the book. The chapter closes by outlining the structure of the book and summarizing the main arguments of each of the subsequent chapters.