The favourable impact of livelihood opportunities for vulnerable Rohingya refugees

Policy brief State Effectiveness and Women's Economic Empowerment

This study examines the impact of different livelihood interventions on psychosocial well-being and intimate partner violence among Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, finding that paid work has more beneficial effects than cash transfers or uncompensated volunteer activity.

  • This study examines the impact of different livelihood interventions – paid work, cash transfers, and volunteer activity – on psychosocial well-being and intimate partner violence among Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
  • Findings from a randomised controlled trial, engaging 2,513 married couples for six weeks in the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, reveal that paid work improves psychological well-being for both women and men more effectively than cash transfers or uncompensated volunteer activity.
  • In addition, reductions in intimate partner violence were more significant when men participated in the interventions.
  • Integrating paid livelihood opportunities into social programmes could provide a more holistic approach to improving the lives of refugees and other vulnerable populations.