International Forced Migration from the Viewpoint of Afghan Women in Iran: A Case Study of Migrant Women in Tehran

Abstract

In the international area, one of the most important problem is forced migration, particularly for women. Therefore, it is essential to examine the causes and consequences of forced migration for women. The main objective of this study is to investigate the attitude of Afghan women toward non-voluntary migration. For the purpose of data collection, qualitative research method and in-depth interview technique were used. Using the snowball method, a sample of thirty Afghan women living in Tehran were selected for interview. The Afghan women who were included in this study mentioned insecurity, Taliban repression, ethnic strife, inadequacy of health and educational facilities, poverty and unemployment as the reasons for their migration to Iran. These causes of migrations could be divided into three general categories: 1- war with a foreign enemy and internal conflict, 2- the collapse of the country's economic infrastructure, and 3- family reasons. It was clear that these women who were largely subordinated to their husbands, fathers, or other male family members, had nonetheless played a significant role in the migration process directly or indirectly.