Women's immigration experience and self-perception in Antakya families participating in self-international migration

Turkey has witnessed migration processes throughout history due to its geographical location. Labor migration abroad from Turkey began in the 1960s. While more male population participates in migration movements, the migration process of women has been through irregular migration or family reunification. In this study, we focused on the experiences of women who did not migrate with their spouses and stayed in the country of origin in families who experienced immigration from the Antakya district of Hatay province. In the study, the findings were evaluated in the context of transnational migration theory. The findings of the study are based on interviews with 17 women living in the Antakya district of Hatay province, whose spouses participated in the transnational migration and stayed in the country of origin with their children. A semi-structured interview form consisting of closed and open-ended questions was applied flexibly to the women. The study focuses on the daily life experiences of women staying with their children in the country of origin, their participation in the public sphere, changing parenting roles within the family, and women's self-perceptions. As a result of the study, it has been determined that the communication element and developing technology have an important place in this process, in which transnational migration experiences also shape the roles within the family. It has been determined that the activities of women in the public sphere tend to increase in the absence of their husbands. It is understood that parenting roles have also been shaped, but still there has not been a major change. There were positive self-perceptions in line with what women were able to achieve in the country of origin without their husbands. It has been determined that women's perceptions and opinions about gender also differ. This immigration situation in the Antakya district continues as a different line of business in the city.