Chapter 4: Talent Development of Refugee Women in The United States

In almost all refugee populations approximately half are women (Martin, 2004; UNHCR, 2014). The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) describes refugees as individuals who are forced to migrate to other countries due to war, civil unrest, or fears of persecution. Not only do refugees receive no protection from their own government, it is frequently their own country that has threatened their personal security and freedom.

Refugee women face particular challenges when integrating into new communities, especially industrialized countries. Young women may unexpectedly be required to assume the role of caregivers or sole breadwinners when traditional heads of household are unable to learn local languages, or have difficulties adapting to the workforce. Older or single mothers lack the traditional support and friendship networks that extended families provide (Yakushko, 2010). Often unprepared for the new work environment, many refugee women lack sufficient language skills, technological experience, or cultural competence to adequately support a household or even themselves. Past experiences of trauma may exacerbate the difficulties of transition (UNHCR, 2008).