Voices from the displaced: a focus group discussion with the Yemeni women refugees in Malaysia
List of Authors
  • Azizah Hamzah , Fatima Mohamed Al-Majdhoub

Keyword
  • focus group discussion, Muslim refugees, social and cultural adaptation, Yemeni women

Abstract
  • The Muslims refugee crisis is one of the most critical and controversial issues that face the international community in the 21 century. The increase of violence, conflicts and climate change are the main reasons for the waves of refugees leaving their homelands to seek protection and a better future in other countries. The devastating situation in most of the Middle East region in general and the Arab countries in particular during and post the Arab spring has generated violence, deteriorating economic conditions create the most humanitarian crisis in human history. Refugee women are the most vulnerable group that mostly faces gender-specific challenges to survive life in the midst of new culture and environment. This study aims to in- depth understand the struggles and concerns that the Yemeni women refugees face to survive after they have been forced with their families to flee their homes and looking for a better life; seek refuge and protection in Malaysia. Focus group discussions were conducted as a method of qualitative data collection with 15 Yemeni women. Findings show that favouritism was a factor which determines access to services, rather than needs as the Yemeni refugees are less likely to receive basic aid and services by UNHCR or any local organizations. The social and cultural adaptation as a mean for survival is low among the Yemeni women refugees due to fears and the absence of basic needs. The Yemeni women wish for the future to be treated with dignity and granted the rights for education and healthcare; movement without the fear of being hijacked or arrested by the authority of any host country.

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