Female refugee adolescents re-imagining their futures

Abstract

The Syrian civil war has forced many families to flee their homes in search of safety and a better future for themselves and their children. There are currently 5.6 million forcibly displaced Syrians, 3.6 million of which are registered under temporary protection status in Turkey. This study investigates the current situations of Syrian female refugees within educational settings in Istanbul and the support they receive beyond food and shelter. Eighty eight participants in this qualitative case study include female adolescents currently attending Turkish schools in Istanbul, their mothers, and school staff. The results emphasize the importance of grassroots movements empowering refugee women and the wider Syrian refugee community, acting as a bridge among the refugee, local communities, and humanitarian organizations.