1. What happened during the last two decades
What happened during the last two decades? - a follow up study of unaccompanied Somali girls in Sweden
Magdalena Bjerneld
RNT, MSc, PhD
In cooperation with Dr. Nima Ismail
Department of women’s and children’s health
International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH)

2. The first study 1999, in summary
Interviews with 14 unaccompanied Somali girls
Father died in war situation
Mother difficulties managing the situation
Afraid of rape of the girls

3. The first study cont.
Choose one child – to survive, better future
Collected money – smuggler
Knew nothing about Sweden
Good experiences of the reception in Sweden
Longed for mother

4. Motive for present study
The picture of the Somali women did not correspond to our experience
Earler research:
Majority about mental health
Few longitudinal studies
Few studies with adults who fled as children
Girls/women almost invisible – known as vulnerable
Financial support from European Refugee Fund (ERF)

5. Aim
To explore how a group of unaccompanied girls from Somalia experienced their transition into the Swedish society

6. Method
Individual interviews with 6 of the Somali women in previous study
Interviews with 6 other Somali women who arrived in Sweden as unaccompanied children
Interview guide: the life story, challenges, important factor for success etc.
Nima Ismail cultural bridge
Thematic analysis
Focus on successes more than problems
Also interview with social worker, school nurses, newly arrived girls

7. General comments How has your life been in Sweden so far
General comments How has your life been in Sweden so far? (After 6 – 25 years in Sweden )
All women thought they had succeeded with their life in Sweden
“ I think I have fulfilled some of my dreams, like educated myself. I feel part of the society”
All have Swedish citizenship
Have education and work as:
Nurse, medical doctor, social worker, economist, teachers, doctoral student, local politician etc.

8. Family
All but one had a family with children
Majority married to a Somali man
Parents want to meet Swedish families

9. Findings Different kind of support needed
Replace the mother – their role model
Cohesion – practical support
Connection – emotional support
Coherence – learn the rhythm of ordinary life *
By: Staff, social workers, health professionals, countrymen or adults in the Swedish society
* Kohli, R.K.S. (2007), Social Work with Unaccompanied Asylum-seeking Children. Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.

10. Recommendations from the women
Key person to relate to - “a parent”
(Somali if possible)
Do not move them between many places
Educate the staff in the group homes and health care
See the women as resources not problems!

11. To feel integrated Football match Sweden – Somalia
” I would say Sweden since my children often play football “
” Spontaneously I would support Somalia, because I will always be a Somali”