The project focuses on the experiences, perceptions and strategies of Syrian refugee youth in Jordan, both married and unmarried and those of their parents and community, with regard to their SRHR, and in particular marriage and having children. The research main aim is to put the discussion about early marriage, which dominates development discourses in Jordan, in a broader perspective.

Three research teams, consisting of a senior researcher, a Masters student in Anthropology of Yarmouk University and one or two Syrian refugees, carry out qualitative research in and around Irbid, Zarqa and Mafraq. In addition to in-depth interviews with youth, parents and service providers, the researchers use Participatory Action Research (PAR). Three PAR groups have been established, two of married women and one of married and unmarried men. The PAR groups meet monthly and discuss a broad range of topics around SRHR. The research team in Zarqa works closely together with the international NGO Caritas and the team in Mafraq with the local NGO Ahel Al-Jabal. The SRHR interventions of these two organizations are studied as well, both from the perspective from the service providers as well as of recipients.

Outcomes:

Publications for the general public:

• M.C. de Regt(2018): Syrian Refugee Youth in Jordan.
• A. Van Raemdonck(2018): Doing PAR with Syrian refugees in Jordan