Somali Immigrants, The Largest Muslim Immigrant Groups

Introduction

The Somali Immigrants are one of the largest Muslim immigrant groups. There are various reasons these people move to other countries. Some of the factors that facilitate their immigration include political instability and civil wars in their home country as well as poor health services. Moreover, brutality amounts to displacement of the Somali people to nearby countries. The most affected people are the women and children considering their vulnerability, defenselessness. Therefore, they are only left with the option of fleeing to other places. The defenseless people are also exposed to sexual assault. Thus, the need of seeking medical help from other places becomes indispensable. Migration results in health disorders due to dietary changes which can cause lead to heart diseases. Thus, Somali immigration is caused by political instability and civil wars which in turn expose the individuals to issues like obesity and heart conditions.

Violence, Leading Factor

Violence is the leading factor for Somali migration. Political instability and in Somalia has been a cause for migration to other countries for the last many years. Unfortunately, the largest numbers of people affected by the violence constitute the defenseless women and children; who, in most cases, barely flee for safety. Additionally, the brutality results in displacement of all the affected Somali people ultimately necessitating escape and looking for new sheltering places. Additionally, there are increased cases of sexual assault during such periods – a factor that promotes movement to other areas to receive medical attention. During such times, it is important for the women to migrate and find alternative ways of taking care of their reproductive health. Thus, war causes many Somalis to migrate.

Effects of Migration on Health

Health and mental disorders are also serious effects of migration.  In a study conducted on Somali immigrants to Sweden, it was revealed that the individuals admitted to experience dietary changes which influenced their health negatively. The changes are caused by the post migratory changes that may be caused due to panic and stress. The conditions include being overweight and obesity; mostly affecting the Somali women. After the individuals move to other places, they also experience dietary changes which may lead to heart diseases. The changes also lead to issues of low self-esteem – an effect that is not easily handled. Hence, dietary changes before and after migration results in poor health conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Somali immigration is caused principally due to war and instability in the country. The effects of migration and war to the Somali people are severe encompassing displacement, health disorders (obesity due to changing of diets), and sexual abuse for the women and children. These issues can be resolved with the intervention of other governments with an attempt of making peace. In addition, providing foreign aid to protect the women and children from sexual misconduct during the wars can also help to protect the immigrants.

References

Abdi, Cawo Mohamed. “Threatened identities and gendered opportunities: Somali migration to America.” Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society 39, no. 2 (2014): 459-483.

Janzon, Ellis, and Ingrid Bolmsjö. “Obesity in Somali migration women due to post migration dietary changes and decreasing self-esteem: a qualitative interview study on diet, knowledge ab out risk of heart disease, inactivity, body image and self-esteem.” Journal of research in obesity; 142971 (2013).

Abdi, Cawo Mohamed. “Threatened identities and gendered opportunities: Somali migration to America.” Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society 39, no. 2 (2014): 478.

Janzon, Ellis, and Ingrid Bolmsjö. “Obesity in Somali migration women due to post migration dietary changes and decreasing self-esteem: a qualitative interview study on diet, knowledge ab out risk of heart disease, inactivity, body image and self-esteem.” Journal of research in obesity; 142971 (2013).