Career Aspirations of Refugee Women in Turkey within the Context of Higher Education

Access to higher education for refugees remains a focal point in discussions concerning human rights. In the aftermath of the Syrian civil war, Türkiye has become a significant host country for forcibly displaced individuals. While the Turkish government has implemented an open-door policy toward refugees, the actual participation of women in higher education and the workforce falls short of anticipated levels. Through the lens of Amartya Sen's Capability Approach (CA), this study delves into the perspectives of Syrian refugee women regarding their experiences with higher education in Türkiye and investigates how their educational pursuits shape their career aspirations. Employing a qualitative methodology involving semi-structured interviews, this research examines the viewpoints of 40 women enrolled in a state university in Türkiye. The findings underscore the role of higher education in enhancing women’s career-related skills, fostering their awareness of rights, and predominantly fostering optimistic outlooks toward future labor market engagement.