Work is an essential part of human life which determines one's status in society. It is usually gender-determined, especially in rural communities where men and women have separate distinct roles which they have to perform. This paper is based on a small-scale study of Mozambican refugee women conducted at Mazowe River Bridge camp (Zimbabwe). In the research, the roles and status of women prior to displacement and currently (in the camp) were examined. An effort was also made to project the roles and status of women in future Mozambique after repatriation. Some of the findings support Makanya's (1990) findings in her case-study on issues of assistance to Mozambican refugee women at Tongogara camp. This study indicated that Mozambican women take the major burden of responsibility for domestic and other chores in the camps, as they used to in Mozambique. An inequitable division of labour between men and women persists. Currently a number or men are also leaving the camp to look for employment, but due to high and rising unemployment in Zimbabwe and police round-ups of Mozambican refugees who leave the camps, the majority find themselves back in the camps again. Their role as family providers is greatly reduced. However men have been and are still being regarded as decision-makers, which leaves women in a very vulnerable, dependent position. The future of the Mozambican women is likely to change due to the skills currently being imparted to them in the camps. The women are likely to emerge and be recognised as people who can work outside the home. However, this would become more possible if women are supported not only with material and financial resources, but also with opportunities and positive attitudes towards them.
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