The Resettlement Experiences of Oromo Women Who Entered Canada as Refugees

Biftu Yousuf; Nicole S. Berry

doi:10.25071/1920-7336.40652

Authors

Biftu Yousuf York University, Toronto, Canada
Nicole S. Berry Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25071/1920-7336.40652

Keywords:

Oromo Women, Asylum Seekers, Migration and Resettlement, Intersectionality, Gender Dynamics

Abstract

A growing body of literature shows that gender-based experiences produce different circumstances for men and women who become refugees and thereafter. This article sought to contribute to this literature by investigating the challenges faced by Oromo women who have immigrated to Canada as refugees. Toward this end, we interviewed six Oromo women in Western Canada regarding what led them to leave Ethiopia, their experiences as refugees seeking asylum, and their struggles with resettlement and integration. The findings reveal that Oromo women share the challenges endured by their male counterparts, but also are victim of gender-based subjugation at each stage of emigration.

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Author Biographies

Biftu Yousuf, York University, Toronto, Canada

Biftu Yousuf is a doctoral student in the Department of Geography at York University. The author may be contacted at bmyousuf@yorku.ca

Nicole S. Berry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada

Nicole S. Berry is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Education, in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. The author may be contacted at nicole_berry@sfu.ca

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