Career Construction Experiences of Syrian Refugee Women in Turkish Higher Education: Opportunities and Obstacles

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25071/1920-7336.41305

Keywords:

Syrian refugee women, college students, higher education, career construction

Abstract

This study explores the career construction and higher education opportunities and challenges faced by Syrian refugee women in Türkiye through semi-structured interviews with 40 women enrolled at a public university. Findings reveal significant challenges in career construction and higher education stemming from the intersectionality of gender and refugee status, including job market discrimination, increased housework and caregiving responsibilities, and moral concerns about independent women. The study also identifies opportunities for empowerment through women’s rights, autonomy, equality, and self-sufficiency. It contributes to refugee studies, higher education, and integration by acknowledging the transformative potential of education and employment for Syrian refugee women.

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Author Biographies

Zeynep Çirkin, Department of Economics, Mardin Artuklu University, Mardin, Turkey

Zeynep Çirkin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Mardin Artuklu University. She can be reached at zeynepcirkin@artuklu.edu.tr.

Halis Sakiz, Department of Educational Sciences, Mardin Artuklu University, Mardin, Turkey

Halis Sakiz is a Professor in the Department of Educational Sciences at the Faculty of Letters, Mardin Artuklu University. He can be reached at halissakiz@artuklu.edu.tr.

Pinar Çuhadar , Department of Economics, Mardin Artuklu University, Mardin, Turkey

Pinar Çuhadar is Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Mardin Artuklu University. She can be reached at pinarozdemircukadar@artuklu.edu.tr.

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Published

2025-07-24

How to Cite

Çirkin, Z., Sakiz, H., & Çuhadar , P. (2025). Career Construction Experiences of Syrian Refugee Women in Turkish Higher Education: Opportunities and Obstacles. Refuge: Canada’s Journal on Refugees, 41(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.25071/1920-7336.41305

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