The IGAD region comprising hosts some of the largest refugee and internally displaced populations globally, with over 5 million refugees and 19 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) as of 2024.
Despite progressive policy commitments, gender disparities persist in access to protection, services, and decision-making. The IGAD Secretariat sanctioned a study on gender analysis on the dynamics of forced displacement in the region. The gender analysis explored the multifaceted dynamics of forced displacement in the IGAD region and assessed vulnerabilities through a gender lens, highlighting how displacement impacts women, men, girls, boys and marginalized groups differently.
The analysis sought to generate actionable insights to support the development and implementation of inclusive, equitable, and responsive refugee protection mechanisms across the region especially the IGAD Policy Framework on Refugee Protection.
The findings and recommendations in the report are rooted in consultations with displaced and host communities, national refugee management institutions, refugee led organizations and partners across the region.
The findings also affirm IGAD’s commitment to advancing gender inclusivity and sensitivity as enshrined in the IGAD Policy Framework on Refugee Protection (2023), IGAD Regional Gender Equality Strategy (2023–2030) and thematic declarations of the Nairobi Declaration in refugee protection, what was later to be consolidated into the IGAD Support Platform on Forced Displacement.
The report identified good practices and apparent gaps in advancing gender equality in refugee protection in the IGAD Region. Key among them is the notable disconnect between national commitments to gender equality and effective implementation, despite notable strides by IGAD Member States in aligning national legislation with international standards.
The study was sanctioned under the Project, ‘Protection and Solutions for Displaced Persons in the IGAD Region,” funded by the Government of Sweden towards the full implementation of the 2023 IGAD Policy Framework on Refugee Protection.
Download the full study report in both English & French below:
Gender Analysis on the Dynamics of Forced Displacement in the IGAD Region – Report 2025
