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. 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. 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 and so create incomes and improve status.
During this seminar, Professor Susan Marlow (Haydn Green Institute, The University of Nottingham); Dr Haya Al Dajani (Futures Entrepreneurship Centre, The University of Plymouth); and Dr Nasser Yassin, (American University Beirut) will 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 Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey and a range of intermediary organisations, they 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.
Following the seminar, there will be drinks and canapes served in the Ingenuity Centre Atrium. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please contact Elizabeth Smith at lizzie.smith@nottingham.ac.uk
Spaces are limited, and based on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please follow the registration link if you would like to attend this FREE event.