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Determinants of Women Empowerment: Case of Refugee Women Living in Nairobi Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • Judy Kaaria

    (Kiel Institute for the World Economy, 24105 Kiel, Germany)

  • Immaculate Kathomi Murithi

    (Kenya Revenue Authority, Nairobi 69-60400, Kenya)

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of women empowerment among refugee women living in Nairobi, Kenya. First, the study constructs an index to examine empowerment drivers using data from the Refugee and Host Household Survey (RHHS) 2021. A fractional logit regression model was employed in the study. The results obtained show that the incidence of refugee women empowerment among refugees living in Nairobi was six percent. In addition, the study finds evidence that age; the gender of the household head; the education level of the refugee woman; employment status; and the education of the household head play substantial roles in enabling women empowerment. Conversely, marital statuses (divorced/separated/widowed and single/never married) and religious affiliations (Muslim) hinder women empowerment. Efforts geared towards improving wage employment and education are likely to empower refugee women. The study emphasizes the recognition of the role played by women in household income through care work.

Suggested Citation

  • Judy Kaaria & Immaculate Kathomi Murithi, 2025. "Determinants of Women Empowerment: Case of Refugee Women Living in Nairobi Kenya," Economies, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecomi:v:13:y:2025:i:2:p:35-:d:1582002
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mohammed Gbanja Abdulai & Mubarik Salifu & Paul Bata Domanban, 2024. "Determinants of multi-dimensional women empowerment in Mali," Cogent Economics & Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(1), pages 2383098-238, December.
    2. Maissa Khatib & Tanya Purwar & Rushabh Shah & Maricarmen Vizcaino & Luciano Castillo, 2024. "Empowerment and integration of refugee women: a transdisciplinary approach," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-18, December.
    3. Betts, Alexander & Flinder Stierna, Maria & Omata, Naohiko & Sterck, Olivier, 2024. "The economic lives of refugees," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
    4. Berhanu Kuma & Abebech Godana, 2023. "Factors affecting rural women economic empowerment in Wolaita Ethiopia," Cogent Economics & Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(2), pages 2235823-223, June.
    5. Naila Kabeer, 1999. "Resources, Agency, Achievements: Reflections on the Measurement of Women's Empowerment," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 30(3), pages 435-464, July.
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