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1-2: Migration, (In)Hospitality and Belonging in Uncertain Times
  • ISSN: 2042-7913
  • E-ISSN: 2042-7921

Abstract

This article investigates the role of Kurdish women’s activism in enabling their belonging in London. The extent to which Kurdish women’s backgrounds shape their activism and their demands is also explored. In the context of migration studies, the analysis of Kurdish women’s activism is important as it links migrants’ ties with the homeland with their political activism in diasporas, while also considering the influence of their gender. Using unstructured interviews and observations, this feminist ethnographic research found that Kurdish women were politically active before migrating and that they continued their activism in London for several reasons. Firstly, activism mitigates their homesickness and strengthens these women’s feelings of individual and collective belonging in Britain. Secondly, Kurdish women consider activism as a tool to express their experiences in their home country. Lastly, Kurdish women feel obligated to be the voice of oppressed Kurds who could not leave their home country.

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2025-03-31
2025-05-15
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