Sosyo cultural and religious adaptation processes of Somali women through their migration experiences (Ankara example)

One of the most significant issues of today is the phenomenon of migration. Every day, dozens of people migrate for various reasons. Compared to the past, many more women are actively participating in migration. The feminization of migration has become one of the most fundamental characteristics of contemporary migration movements. Women are migrating internationally, either voluntarily or involuntarily, leaving their countries due to war, internal conflicts, economic problems, and patriarchal social structures. Migration brings about many changes in women's lives, including their gender roles. At the same time, they also change the societies they join. For these reasons, our study focuses on Somali migrant women. Based on the migration experiences of Somali migrant women over the age of 18, how do the processes of social, cultural, and religious adaptation take place, and what changes do these processes bring about in their lives? The aim of our research, which is based on this fundamental question, is to understand the social, cultural, and religious adaptation of Somali migrant women over the age of 18 who have migrated to Turkey, based on their migration experiences, and the factors that influence this adaptation. Our study, prepared using qualitative research methods, employed semi-structured interview techniques, non-participant observation, and documentation techniques. The snowball sampling technique was preferred for sample selection. The study covers Somali women aged 18 and over and is limited to the province of Ankara. It consists of two sections, excluding the introduction and conclusion. The first section outlines the conceptual and theoretical framework related to migration. The second section presents the findings of the research. The data were analyzed using content analysis. For this purpose, four themes and their subcategories were identified. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 women aged 18 and over using semi-structured questions. The results of the study show that Somali women's reasons for migrating and choosing Turkey are diverse. Economic reasons are the primary reason for migration, while religion is the primary reason for choosing Turkey. Although migration causes disruptions in gender roles, it does not bring about complete and permanent change. Somali women stated that they felt more free after migrating. Although one can speak of emancipation, this freedom is "so-called freedom" in terms of spending on daily needs. Somali women's participation in family decision-making processes remains limited and ends with the man's return home. An important reason for this is that Somali women remain economically dependent on their husbands. Another reason is that patriarchal control continues remotely due to developing technology. The biggest obstacle to women's integration is the language problem. Housing problems and certain discriminatory attitudes they encounter also negatively affect their integration. The most important factor positively affecting their integration is religion. Some of the participants want to go to Europe due to legal and economic problems in Turkey. Those whose children are still in education want to stay in Turkey. Only two participants want to return to Somalia.