The Opinions of Syrians Living in Turkey Regarding Their Return to Syria: What do Syrian women say about returning?

The Opinions of Syrians Living in Turkey Regarding Their Return to Syria: What do Syrian women say about returning?

Sunday, December 8 was a day that will have a critical impact on the lives of Syrian refugees in Turkey.   The developments in Syria, the collapse of 61 years of rule, the reshaping of the parties to the 13-year civil war and the rapidly changing international politics have brought many uncertainties.

For Syrian refugees living in Turkey, politicians, citizens and the media have begun to talk more and more about the possibility of returning to their country.

Since 2012, Mavikalem’s work also serves Syrian women and children.  Since the agendas that affect them and can change their priorities will also affect the direction of our work, we wanted to hear the assessments of Syrian women.

We listened to women because of the difference in how women and men define problems, solutions and needs due to gender roles.

We had a conversation with refugee women who receive services from our women’s counseling center in Esenyurt district of Istanbul about whether returning to Syria is now on their agenda.

We interviewed a total of 42 women in group and individual conversations in informal/unstructured conversations.

Most women expressed that the possibility of returning to Syria was directly related to many factors, including security, shelter, education and economic stability.  Their children and whether they would be able to access the services they needed, such as education and health, was a cause of concern for women, which also influenced their decision-making.  Many women said it was safer to stay in Turkey rather than return, unless relevant conditions improved.

Some women said that once living conditions become more favorable and the reconstruction of the area is complete, they will be able to realize their plans to return to Damascus and rebuild their lives.

All the interviews showed that women’s intentions to return were not primarily motivated by national identity or geography, and not only by security, but also by access to basic rights and services.

To read more about the 42 women’s views and opinions expressed during the interviews, you can access the MaviKalem fact sheet here.

What do Syrian women say about returning?- Info Note 17.12.2024