Kurdish migration: What are the latest developments and how does gender matter?

Over the last decade, the Kurdish areas in the Middle East have seen several violent conflicts. Hundreds of thousands of Kurds have been uprooted from their homes and areas of origin. This adds a new chapter to an already long history of displacement and migration. In this seminar, we will investigate some of the gendered aspects of these recent migration flows. The seminar will be held in English.

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Illustration: Colourbox

Violent unrest and the wars in Iraq and Syria have forced many Kurds to be internally displaced. Others left to settle in Europe. Also Norway has received large numbers of Kurds, mainly from the war in Syria, but also from Turkey and Iraq.

In this seminar we have gathered a group of experts to offer their insights into Kurdish gender and migration. They will:

  • offer an overview of the most recent developments in these migration flows
  • provide new insights into the various reasons behind migration patterns
  • shed light on gendered aspects – how migration and resettlement has affected Kurdish women and men differently.

Registration

Sign up for the event

Programme

  • Welcome by Åge A. Tiltnes, Fafo
  • Introduction by Dr. Nerina Weiss, Fafo
  • Introductions by:
    • Dr. Andrew Bush, CASPAR, Krakow University of Economics: Students, Refugees, and the Struggle to Study in Kurdistan and Europe
    • Dr. Karol Kaczorowski, CASPAR, Krakow University of Economics: Kurdish internal migration waves in Turkey and their impact on global Kurdish migration
    • Dr. Kaziwa Salih, Section of Kurdish Studies, Jagiellonian University: The exodus prompted by migration in southern Kurdistan. Vulnerability and empowerment of women
    • Dr. Wendelmoet Hamelink, Centre for Gender Research, University of Oslo: Motivations of Kurdish women to leave Syria during the war
    • Dr. Joanna Bocheńska, Section of Kurdish Studies, Jagiellonian University: The Polish border crisis in autumn 2021: Kurdish women's difficult experiences
  • Discussion
  • Questions from the audience
  • Chair: Nerina Weiss, researcher, Fafo

Seminar and project

The seminar is organized together with Fafo. 

eea norway grantsThe seminar is part of the project Activism and its Moral and Cultural Foundation: Alternative Citizenship and Women’s Roles in Kurdistan and the Diaspora (see also project web-site ALCITfem), funded by Norway Grants.

Practical information

The breakfast is a hybrid event and will be streamed live on Fafo-tv.

There are a limited number of seats in our auditorium. It is, however, possible to follow the event on Fafo-tv. Please indicate on the registration if you want to attend or follow the live stream.

Information for attendees at Fafo in Oslo:

  • Breakfast (sandwiches, fruit and coffee/tea) is served from 08:15.
  • The seminar lasts 08:30-09:45.
  • The event is free of charge and open to the public. Limited seating.
  • The seminar is held in Fafo's auditorium.
  • Fafo is located in Borggata 2B by the police station and Grønland Church. 10 minutes walk from Oslo Central Station, Grønland or Tøyen metro. Bus 37 stops in Politihuset stop. Please note that Borggata 2B is reached by car via Grønlandsleiret. Google map
  • Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. The following advice still applies:
    • Wash your hands thoroughly and often
    • Use a paper tissue or a flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze
    • Stay at home if you are sick

Information for those of you who want to watch the live transmission of the event on Fafo-tv:

  • The broadcast starts at 08:30.
  • Questions? You are welcome to send in questions during the seminar by text message to +47 469 10 718.
  • You can also watch recordings later.
  • The broadcast is available to everyone, but only the participants will be sent links to the presentation.

For more information, please consult the Fafo website

Organizer

Fafo and Wendy Hamelink
Published Mar. 24, 2022 9:19 AM - Last modified Mar. 29, 2022 10:11 AM