Safety and Security of Sexual-reproductive Health and Gender-based Violence among Rohingya Refugee Women in Bangladesh

Abstract

Rohingya refugee women and girls are from a vulnerable society taking shelter in Bangladesh for humanitarian assistance following the serious human rights violations in Myanmar. They are facing a number of challenges such as insecurity, violence, very limited freedom of movement or ability to speak up and influence decisions in their communities. They are most vulnerable to exploitation due to inadequate basic living facilities in the camp causing them to be physically or sexually abused, forced prostitution and human trafficking. Gender-based violence, abandonment by their husbands in the camps, early marriage, teenage pregnancies including lack of safer pregnancy and childbirth are all important issues and challenges faced by them. Access to basic amenities and educational opportunities with special attention about sexual and reproductive health including issues such as gender equality, relationships and conflict management and adequate community health care can help the Rohingya women to overcome the situation. Actually, the word “Rohingya” derived from the people who exist in from the British rule of the medieval period in the current “Rakhine” state, formerly known as “Roshang” later turned into “Rohang” due to colloquial usage. Although officially Myanmar is not using the term “Rohingya” as this might potentially endorse their indigenous origin, an international involvement is obligatory to find a solution for sustainable return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 05 No. 02 April’21 Page: 163-170

Refugee and Asylum Seeker Women’s Experiences with Healthcare and Social Environment in Malaysia

“…At the point of arrival in Malaysia, they have acute and immediate health needs due to the dangerous and difficult journey they endured and their predisposing illnesses [ 7 ]. Similar to past studies [ 10 , 11 , 47 ], these women reported violence and assault prior to their arrival and while living in Malaysia. This research found that their experience of domestic violence while in Malaysia could be linked to the trafficking of girls and women for marriage to Rohingya men in Malaysia.…”

“…Although as refugees and asylum seekers, both Rohingya women and men have faced violence during the conflict in Myanmar, in-transit, and in Malaysia, their experiences of violence and its impact are different [ 10 ]. Rohingya women face difficulties with safety and security, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues such as safer pregnancy and delivery, marriage practices, gender-based violence (GBV) and other issues [ 11 ].…”

Women's participation in childbearing decision-making and its effects on short-interval births in Rohingya refugee camps of Bangladesh

“…Covariates considered in this study were selected based on a review of relevant literature in refugee settings. 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 9 , 11 , 12 , 13 These included women's age (≤19 or ≥20), education (no education or at least some education), and work engagement outside the household (yes or no). Women's intentions regarding their most recent pregnancy, which occurred within two years of the survey and resulted in a live birth, were also included as an explanatory factor.…”

“…Existing research in the context of refugees primarily focuses on family planning, contraception, and maternal healthcare services, and their associated factors, as well as the gender-based violence. 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 9 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 This limited focus restricts policymakers' ability to develop evidence-based policies and programs aimed at enhancing women's participation in reproductive decision-making and reducing the incidence of short interval births. Therefore, this study aims to explore the extent of women's participation in decision-making with their partner regarding when to have a child, short interval births, and their associations.…”

Nutritional status and dietary diversity of pregnant and nonpregnant reproductive‐age Rohingya women

“…Among them, 1016 are pregnant mothers. It is known that women, adolescent girls, and children suffer the most in any kind of conflict, and the Rohingya refugee community is no exception (Yousuf et al, 2020 ; Zaman et al, 2019 ). According to recent information, almost half of the reproductive‐age women living in Bhasan Char are suffering from anemia (Joarder et al, 2020 ).…”