Filiz Zeyrek 

 

BELGIUM - Women fleeing war, oppression and violence face harassment and the brutality of border policies on migration routes, and discrimination and the obstacles of refugee policies in Europe. The common story of women from different regions: Migration is both a struggle for survival and a struggle for freedom. 

 

Women are fleeing oppression, but their suffering does not end on migration routes or in Europe. The destruction wrought by war in Syria, the Taliban's restrictions on women's lives in Afghanistan, the strict state control over women's bodies and lives in Iran, and the oppressive policies of the state and male violence in Turkey are forcing women to migrate. 

 

Women from different regions, each with different reasons for leaving, are crossing borders not only to survive but also to seek freedom and a dignified life. However, on migration routes, women also face harassment, discrimination and violence created by border policies. Upon reaching Europe, refugee policies, bureaucratic obstacles, discriminatory rhetoric and language barriers continue to complicate women's lives. While struggling to survive, women also bear the burden of being marginalised due to their migrant identity.

 

From Iran to Belgium: I was under control from my headscarf to my voice

 

Bita Abedi, a 38-year-old Iranian woman who says that being a woman in her country means living under constant threat, states, “Being a woman in Iran means living under constant threat. You are under threat if you don't tie your headscarf correctly, if your clothing is deemed 'immodest', even if you drive a car. I was not allowed to marry the man I loved. I was afraid of perfume, nail polish, the colour of my clothes. We were constantly being questioned by the morality police. I couldn't imagine a future." 

 

Bita Abedi says that the decision she made with her mother changed her life. Bita Abedi states, ‘My mother thought I would be safer in Europe, even if she couldn't see her daughter. Staying in Iran was a greater fear for her.’ Bita Abedi notes that when she arrived in Belgium, she faced new challenges. "Being an immigrant means starting from scratch without knowing the language, unemployed, helpless and invisible. When I went to a doctor, upon learning my nationality, he showed me the door, saying, 'I can't examine you. This was one of the worst instances of discrimination I have ever seen."

 

Bita Abedi said she still faces uncertainty because her residence permit has not been accepted. Bita Abedi continues her struggle, saying, ‘Jin jiyan azadî’ (Women, life, freedom). 

 

From Turkey to France: Migration became a necessary decision

 

Evin Yemlihanoğlu, 34, who recounts facing immense pressure in Turkey due to both her gender and political identity, shares that she was married off at the age of 15, deprived of her right to education, and subjected to violence. Evin Yemlihanoğlu describes her experiences, saying, "As a woman, I was expected to remain silent, obey, and bear children. My husband was violent; he pulled my hair and split my eyebrow because I read books. Under these circumstances, there was no other option but to migrate to Europe for my own future and that of my children."

 

Evin Yemlihanoğlu notes that upon arriving in France, she faced new obstacles due to her refugee status, but that women's solidarity gave her strength. She continues, "I was a silenced woman at home. Here, I make my own decisions. I am living my culture and language, learning French, and preparing for university. Solidarity with women's organisations gives me strength."

 

Emphasising that missing her children is her greatest burden, Evin Yemlihanoğlu calls on women: "I don't want any woman to be torn from her homeland. But as women who have been forced to migrate, let's grow our struggle everywhere, let's organise. When our voices touch each other, they will embrace the whole world."

 

From Syria to Belgium: Sidra's story

 

Sidra Alnayef, a 20-year-old who migrated from Syria to Belgium, says the most difficult part of her journey was crossing by sea. Sidra Alnayef says, "We were subjected to degrading searches at border crossings. We travelled in unhealthy and unsafe conditions. I cannot forget these memories." 

 

Sidra Alnayef says she has experienced difficulties with accommodation and language in Belgium. She says she has not encountered discrimination, but she is anxious about the future due to uncertainties. Sidra Alnayef says, "What affected me most was being away from my family and the fear of an unknown future."

 

Sidra Alnayef concludes her remarks by saying, "Don't worry. Not everything you hear is true. You can't take any steps without trying it yourself. It may be difficult, but this is only the beginning."

 

Gudrun Platteau: Education and guidance are vital

 

Gudrun Platteau, a teacher at Ligo schools in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, has been working with women for 20 years. Drawing attention to women's need for social and economic support, Gudrun Platteau states, "Women have to look after their children, run the household and develop themselves. Therefore, education and guidance are vital."

 

Emphasising that support for women is not limited to education alone, Gudrun Platteau adds, "Supporting women does not just mean providing education. Our main goals are to build their self-confidence, increase their participation in society and enable them to live independently."