Arab Muslim Immigrant Women in Iceland: Immigration experiences and future expectations

The present study explores the perceptions and the experiences of Arab Muslim immigrant women who immigrated from Arab countries to live in Iceland. This study focuses on the main challenges and obstacles faced by Arab Muslim immigrant women and how these factors continue to affect their adaptation into Icelandic society. I explore how Arab women identified themselves and how the new environment and the socio-cultural values impacted their integration in Iceland. Interviews were conducted with nine women living outside the capital area. The findings indicate that Islam plays an important role in their immigration experience and the adaptation process. The findings suggest that the women’s experiences are affected by other factors such as the cultural differences and the support of the local community, which impacts the development and maintenance of the women’s identity. Children’s schooling and education also influence the women’s lives in Iceland. The analysis suggests that there is a lack of knowledge about the women’s culture and religion, which causes misunderstanding or confusion.