Weathering the storm: Career development stories of Syrian refugee women in Türkiye

Şimşir Gökalp Z., Kozan H. İ. Ö., Görgülü Z.

Women's Studies International Forum, vol.114, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 114
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.wsif.2025.103203
  • Journal Name: Women's Studies International Forum
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, American History and Life, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Gender Studies Database, Geobase, Historical Abstracts, Index Islamicus, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Political Science Complete, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Social Sciences Abstracts
  • Keywords: Barriers, Career development, Highly skilled refugee women, Narrative, Systems theory
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study explores the career stories of highly skilled Syrian women refugees residing in Türkiye, using a qualitative, narrative research approach. Eight highly skilled refugee women residing in various provinces of Türkiye participated in the study. All participants are university graduates and currently employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, conducted either in person or online, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Four consecutive themes emerged: the participants' career paths before migration, their career experiences after migration, the impact of various systems on their career trajectories, and their future career aspirations. Findings indicate that migration significantly altered their professional paths and introduced numerous challenges. Additionally, personal, social, and environmental systems were found to play a crucial role in shaping their career development. The study concludes with relevant implications and recommendations based on these insights.