What the Label “Women Refugee Entrepreneurs” Challenges us to Rethink

Globally, over 40 million people live as refugees.[1] What background did these “entrepreneurs” begin with in host countries? Depending on countries they are residing in, most refugees find themselves in precarious legal situations—holding temporary protection status at best or merely “tolerated” presence without formal refugee recognition at worst. Consequently, they face many restrictions on establishing and registering businesses, accessing bank loans, and receiving government support.
Moreover, many of these women bear household caregiving responsibilities as Muslim women, meaning they cannot easily leave behind children, elderly relatives, or sick and disabled family members. In traditional Muslim societies, the cultural norm that “men earn outside, women care for the home” remains deeply rooted. When they become into displacement, jobs are unavailable, or male breadwinners are lost, women are forced to become the primary earners for their families. For women living in such society, “entrepreneurship” is overwhelmingly born “out of necessity”, making home-based businesses a rational and pragmatic choice.

Ms. A (in her 40s, right side of photo), who arrived in Cairo from Gaza, shared her story as below.

Listening to their stories brings a painful yet undeniable truth: there is no such people as "refugees” by nature, but only ordinary individuals who, through circumstances, “become” or “are made into” refugees. I hope we can help find pathways for them to utilize their exceptional talents for the benefit of their families, their communities, and ultimately their homelands. At the same time, we cannot ignore the deeper challenge of ending the wars that cause such tragedies. As SPF staff members, we shall continue to explore what meaningful, though humble role we can play to help achieve these goals