Exploring Afghan Women’s Perspectives on Identity and Belonging: A Study Across Borders
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55737/qjss.vi-ii.25346Keywords:
Afghan Refugees, Migration, Afghanistan, Quetta, PakistanAbstract
Refugees are people who have been forced to leave their home countries in search of protection across international borders because of various forms of persecution, conflict, violence, or abuses of their human rights. This study explores the complex interplay of cultural identity and lived experiences among Afghan women refugees residing in the provincial capital Quetta of Balochistan, Pakistan. Utilizing a questionnaire survey of 100 Afghan respondents, this study investigates the impacts of border crossings and sociopolitical dynamics on Afghan women refugees' identities. The findings indicate that while many Afghan women retain a strong connection to their cultural roots, there is a notable influence from host country cultures, leading to the emergence of mixed identities. Despite positive perceptions about their Afghan identity being strengthened through the experiences of migration, challenges such as discrimination, lack of community support, and language barriers impede their ability to express and maintain their cultural heritage fully. The results also emphasize the need for community resources and support systems to facilitate social integration, while helping to preserve cultural identity. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of identity formation among Afghan women refugees and highlight the importance of community engagement in fostering a sense of belonging and cultural preservation across borders.
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