"What Will We Do?" Cultural Perspectives of African Women Refugees in Faith-Based Organizations

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: The Agency of Historically Marginalized Subjects

Abstract

This study focuses on African refugee women participants and their experiences and perspectives in integrating into U.S. society and a Massachusetts Faith-Based Organization (FBO). There were barriers and supports to their integration. Case studies and themes revealed that the women struggled with economic instability, housing affordability, and limited English language learning opportunities. Despite policy obstacles and structural barriers, they were resilient in deploying survival strategies through collective support and self-determination.

Authors

• Mariam Rashid, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Sondra Cuban, Western Washington University