“They taught us not only our rights as women, but also how to live.” Gender-based violence and empowerment experiences of Syrian women in Turkey and the role of women and girls safe spaces: A qualitative study

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a women rights violation, particularly during humanitarian crises. Women and Girls Safe Spaces (WGSS) were opened within a project, where refugee women work and receive gender-sensitive services. The researchers aim to reveal the GBV exposure and empowerment experiences of Syrian refugee women in Ankara and WGSS’ role. In-depth interviews were conducted with 26 health mediators working at WGSS. The findings obtained through thematic analysis revealed four main themes: changing forms of GBV during migration, learning women’s rights as a means of resistance to GBV, experiences of women’s working lives and empowerment, and changing gender roles.