Somali refugee women's parenting experiences during war and resettlement

Background. Women suffer a disproportionate burden of the effects of war. Given their role as caregivers, this has important implications for family health, yet little is known about the ways in which women continue to function in their roles as mothers during war and resettlement.

Aim. The study aim was to describe the parenting experiences of Somali refugee women during war and resettlement.

Methods. Narrative data were collected from 14 Somali refugee women in Minneapolis using ethnographic methods. Data from semi-structured interviews were analyzed to identify patterns in the study participants’ descriptions of their parenting experiences during war and resettlement.

Findings. Four common patterns in Somali refugee women’s parenting experiences emerged from the narrative data, including “trying to survive,” “the centrality of support,” “fearful mothers,” and “hope for the future.” The study participants’ narratives indicated significant trauma, and they expressed feelings of isolation, disconnectedness, and loss. However, based on the experiences shared by the study participants, it is also evident that Somali refugee mothers exhibit resilience and adaptability.

Conclusions. The findings from this study suggest a need for public health professionals to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the experiences and needs of refugee mothers. Public health professionals can use these findings to direct interventions that meet the needs of refugee women and families worldwide.