Experiences and reflections of Somali unaccompanied girls on their first years in Sweden: a follow-up study after two decades

PURPOSE: Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) from Somalia are one of the largest groups of UASC in Europe and Sweden. The current study is a follow-up of a Swedish study conducted in 1999, where unaccompanied asylum-seeking girls (UASG) from Somalia were interviewed. In 2013, UASG from the 1999 study were interviewed again, as adults who have settled and found a new life in Sweden. The purpose of this paper is to explore how these women experienced their transition into the Swedish society. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews was adopted for this descriptive study. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. FINDINGS: UASG need support from different groups of adults, ranging from the staff at the group homes to community members, including countrymen, to establish a good life in their new country. The UASG need understanding and knowledgeable staff that can support them through the initial period, when they do not have their parents close to them. All actors in the supporter network need more knowledge about the difficulties in war situations. Former UASC can assist newcomers as well as being informants to authorities in a new country. Both parties involved need to be open and willing to learn from each other. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: UASG who consider themselves successful in being integrated into the Swedish society were interviewed and, therefore, the study mainly describes aspects that promote integration. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: There are limited follow-up studies on how UASG have experienced their life after almost two decades in the new country.