An In-Depth Analysis of Women's Social Capital in Abu-Shouk Camp

Abstract

This study explores the complex social bonds among women in the Abu-Shouk camp, an internally displaced person camp in Darfur, Western Sudan, against the backdrop of the prolonged Darfur conflict. Social bonds are essential for women in the Abu-Shouk camp as they provide emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of community amidst the hardships of displacement. These bonds help them collectively guide daily challenges, fostering resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity. To examine these bonds, a robust research design was employed, including surveys to comprehensively assess various aspects of women's lives, including demographics, trust, solidarity, and women's empowerment. Findings reveal that trust plays a pivotal role, in influencing social relationships within the camp, as women show caution in various relationships. Moreover, education and age impact gift-giving behaviors, indicating potential avenues for stabilizing social ties. The study contributes valuable insights into the lives of women amidst conflict and displacement, emphasizing the centrality of trust and social bonds, and offering important implications for targeted interventions aimed at empowering women and promoting equitable decision-making within challenging contexts.