SOCIAL SUPPORT EXPERIENCES AMONG YEMENI REFUGEE WOMEN IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA: A DESCRIPTIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

Social support from informal support sources plays a pivotal role in smoothing the adaptation process of refugees in their host countries. This study's main objective was to examine the social support experiences of Yemeni refugee women in Addis Ababa. The study employed a qualitative, descriptive phenomenological design. Thirteen Yemeni refugee women were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Using purposive sampling, study participants were selected. The study's findings indicated that refugee women received various types of social support from family, friends, and independent sponsors, including instrumental support, emotional support, and informational support. For refugee women, strengthening their existing informal social networks is crucial since these networks provide them with informational, emotional, and instrumental support.