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‘What Does the Term Refugee Mean to You?’: Perspectives from Syrian Refugee Women in Lebanon


 In this article, I address the issue of ‘refugee’ denomination from the perspective of Syrian refugee women in Lebanon and argue that traditional representations of refugees shape negative interpretations of their own conditions, affect their wellbeing and constrain their abilities to move forward and build a dignified existence in exile. I identified four major areas in my respondents’ perceptions of the term refugee: loss, balancing past life and present reality, humanitarianism and host communities. Apart from voicing the views of one of the most marginalized groups in society, this article highlights the connections between refugee representations, policy making and empowerment.