Evaluation of Gender Dimensions of Displacement Among Internally Displaced Persons in Borno State

Forced displacement disproportionately affects women and girls, exposing them to heightened risks of gender-based violence, reproductive health crises, and loss of livelihood and social support. This study evaluates the gender-specific experiences and vulnerabilities of women among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno State, focusing on Maiduguri and Konduga IDP camps. A descriptive mixed-method design was adopted, with 200 displaced women completing structured questionnaires and 40 women participating in focus group discussions. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings reveal that displaced women in the study area face compounded vulnerabilities including sexual violence within camps, loss of household income and assets, disrupted access to antenatal and postnatal care, and severe food insecurity affecting pregnant and lactating women disproportionately. Camp governance structures are predominantly male, reducing women's influence over resource allocation and protection decisions. Psychosocial distress is reported by 68% of respondents, yet access to mental health support is minimal. Recommendations include gender-sensitive IDP camp governance frameworks, deployment of female protection officers, mobile reproductive health clinics, and livelihood restoration programmes targeting displaced women. This study contributes to gender and humanitarian response literature in the conflict-affected North East. Keywords: displacement, gender, IDPs, Borno State, humanitarian response