Since 2018, the Global Compact on Refugees has emphasised the need to support refugees to build sustainable and dignified livelihoods, while highlighting the economic and social benefits their economic integration could bring to host communities. By shifting the focus from short-term humanitarian aid to education, growth and job creation for host communities, some progress has been made on offering school places, vocational training opportunities and work permits.

However, most research on economic participation focuses on adult refugees and specifically men. This report, instead, captures youth aspirations and experiences in building independent and sustainable livelihoods. It incorporates a gender lens to identify and analyse the factors that promote or hinder youth participation in the labour market, paying particular attention to gender norms and roles.