‘In Exile, the Woman Became Everything’

This article explores the intersections of generational and gender dynamics with humanitarian governance in Jordan that cause shifts division labour within displaced families. Drawing on life history interviews focus group discussions seventeen Syrian women spring 2019, we explore monetary non-monetary contributions middle-aged females to livelihoods refugee households. Older women’s paid unpaid holds together dispersed families whose fathers have been killed or incapacitated, remain Syria Gulf. In doing so, many draw their pre-war experience living – rather apart from migrant husbands. Increased economic social responsibilities coincide a phase our interviewees’ lifecycle which they traditionally acquire greater authority as elders, especially mothers-in-law. While power inequalities between older younger are not new, exacerbated by loss resources displacement. Our insights offer counterpoint attempts at increasing refugees’ ‘self-reliance’ through small-scale entrepreneurship. For now, culturally appropriate practically feasible jobs for found rooms. Supportive action should allow them upscale businesses address