Vécu psychosocial et insertion socio-professionnelle des femmes déplacées internes du nord-ouest et du sud-ouest Cameroun dans la ville de Yaoundé

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the psychosocial experiences and socio-professional integration of internally displaced women (IDW) from the Anglophone regions of North-West and South-West Cameroon, now living in Yaoundé. Confronted with war-related trauma, loss of property and loved ones, and forced displacement, these women also face social marginalization exacerbated by language barriers, identity-based discrimination, and economic insecurity. The research draws upon social identity theory and resilience theory to analyze how the emotional, cognitive, and social dimensions of psychosocial experience influence their integration into a predominantly Francophone urban society that is often less inclusive. The central research question is: “How does psychosocial experience affect the socio-professional integration of internally displaced women?” The hypothesis suggests that these psychosocial dimensions strongly determine their chances of successful integration. The qualitative methodology relies on data collected through semi-structured interviews and life stories from five internally displaced women engaged in economic activities in Yaoundé, selected through snowball sampling. Thematic analysis highlights major challenges (family separation, violence, isolation), barriers to integration (linguistic stigmatization, poverty, discrimination), and resilience mechanisms (community support, educational initiatives, identity reconstruction). Findings reveal that despite extremely difficult living conditions, these women demonstrate remarkable resilience and develop adaptive strategies to preserve their dignity and ensure economic survival. However, their long-term integration remains fragile, hindered by persistent institutional and sociocultural obstacles. This study emphasizes the need for a holistic approach combining psychosocial support, tailored vocational training, and social recognition to foster sustainable integration of IDWs. It advocates for stronger inclusive policies that incorporate psychosocial and identity dimensions to sustainably empower this vulnerable population and promote social cohesion.