Refugee Women in London: The Experiences of Somali Women

This article is based on interviews withtwenty Somali refugee women living inLondon. The interviews focused mainlyon the women's experiences since arriving inBritain and their hopes and expectations for themselves and their children.The article explores the extent to whichgendered roles have been reinforced orrenegotiated as a result of their move toBritain. For most of the women, their livesin Somalia were based primarily withinthe household. Some had worked in professionaloccupations and had combinedpublic and private roles through the support offemale kin. For all the women,exile brought financial, social and legalinsecurity and none was in permanentemployment. Some, however found newindependence and confidence in exile,and have been able to renegotiate relationships froma more powerful position.Others have lost status and self-esteem,and those who have been able to combinecaring roles with professional work inSomalia have found this impossible inBritain. The study exposed the gaps betweenthe women's skills and experienceand the work they have been able to find.There is an urgent need for Somali speakers inteaching, medicine and social work,but Somali qualifications are not recognizedin Britain. This demonstrates theurgency of comprehensive strategy,including training, for refugee resettlement inBritain.