Gender Dynamics, Labour Force Participation, and Socio-Demographic Realities Among Vulnerable Women in IDP Camps of Benadir Region

Abstract Background: Women residing in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Somalia face severe socioeconomic and gender-related vulnerabilities that shape their access to livelihoods. However, empirical evidence on labour force participation and its determinants in these settings remains limited, particularly in the Benadir Region. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 615 women aged 18–49 years living in selected IDP camps in Benadir. A multistage sampling approach was used to recruit participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pre-tested, expert-validated structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized key characteristics, and multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of labour force participation. Results: The majority of women had no formal education (83.6%), lived in households earning  <  100 USD per month ( 70.7%), and resided in temporary shelters (96.9%). Labour force participation was low, with only 30.4% reporting paid work in the preceding seven days. Among those employed, work was predominantly informal (52.9% domestic work, 29.9% daily labour). Job insecurity was common (61.5% ). Mobility barriers were substantial, with 32.0% reporting that restrictions “somewhat” limited work, and 31.4 % reporting “a lot” or “complete” limitations. In adjusted analysis, women younger than 25 years (AOR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.48–0.97) and those from households earning  <  100 USD (AOR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.40–0.92) had significantly lower odds of participating in paid work. No other sociodemographic or household factors showed significant associations. Conclusion and Recommendation: Women in Benadir’s IDP camps face intersecting economic, social, and gender-related constraints that limit their engagement in paid work. Targeted interventions are needed to expand safe and accessible livelihood opportunities, reduce mobility limitations, and strengthen women’s decision-making autonomy. Gender-responsive programming, skills development, and protection-sensitive livelihood initiatives are recommended to enhance the economic participation and resilience of displaced women.