A Qualitative Study Exploring the Lived Experiences of Afghan Women's Migration to the UK

Over the past four decades, Afghanistan has experienced one of the largest flows of emigration, with Afghan women often experiencing their migration journey through a politicised and reductive lens. This qualitative study critically examines the lived experiences of Afghan women immigrants in the UK through an intersectional lens, focusing on how socio-political contexts and immigration policies shape their realities. Grounded in critical realist and feminist epistemologies, the research uses in- depth semistructured interviews with twelve first-generation Afghan migrant women aged 28-59 to reveal the intricate dynamics of power, gender, and systemic oppression. An inductive Thematic Analysis (TA) was used to interpret three themes: “Navigating loss and fostering hope”’ “Behind the veil: unveiling the reality of Afghan women’s lives in the UK” and “Liberation and empowerment of Afghan women.” The findings suggest significant barriers to accessing essential services such as healthcare, housing, employment, and education. These barriers are further compounded by systemic mistrust and discriminatory immigration policies, which often reinforce “us vs. them” ideology and create hierarchies of worth based on immigration status. Such structural challenges not only threaten Afghan women’s psychological well-being but also undermine their ability to preserve their cultural identity. Despite these challenges, Afghan women in this study appeared to exhibit resilience through community solidarity, cultural preservation, and faith. This resistance may be reflected in their efforts to uphold their heritage and build supportive networks. Policy and clinical implications for working with Afghan women were also considered.