The cover image by Montreal-based Chilean immigrant artiste Carolina Echeverria, depicts a woman with children behind her, and an older lady (her roots) bringing HOPE to the new land.
By Gizem Barutcu
Migration is a complex experience that occurs along many different dimensions. Especially migrant women experience unique experiences as they cope with social, economic, and cultural challenges in a new country (Topak & Camur, 2022). This perspective article is prepared to understand the experiences of migrant women and examine the social, economic, and cultural dimensions of these experiences. Migrant women come from different cultures in striving to adapt to a new society. However, they face significant challenges in the process of finding employment, a particularly noteworthy one being the issue of unemployment.
Migrant women stand out with their societal experiences. However, economic challenges such as language barriers and non-recognition of foreign diplomas can complicate the job search process. According to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey data from January to June 2021, the unemployment rate among migrant women in Canada was 15%, while for Canadian-born women, it was 8%. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, in 2022, 121,394 migrant women settled in Canada. For these migrants, it is important to improve their language skills, acquire information about local job opportunities, and establish an effective network. According to Martin, economic gain for migrant women increases their self-confidence and power. It enables them to achieve a more equal position in family decision-making and have a say in managing priorities (Martin, 2004).
Migration Process and Social Experiences
The decision to migrate is generally influenced by various factors including economic opportunities, educational prospects, and political stability. Additionally, family ties, social support networks, and security concerns are also factors influencing the migration decision (Carballo et al., 1996). When migrant women start living in a new country, they often encounter language barriers. Communicating in a foreign language, finding a job, and managing their daily lives can be a challenging process.
Additionally, coping with cultural differences and societal roles is also significant. Migrant women often try to maintain their cultural identities while adapting to the norms of the new society. They make efforts to strike a balance and express themselves. Expression and a sense of belonging are important for migrant women. The feeling of belonging to a community is about being accepted as part of that community. Migrant women generally want to preserve their cultural identities while expressing themselves and seeking acceptance in the new society. Achieving this balance is important for strengthening social cohesion among immigrants while staying true to their identities.
Social support networks are crucial for migrant women (Guruge et al., 2015). These support networks can consist of family members, friends, neighbours, community centers, civil society organizations, and government supports. They provide migrant women with psychological support, practical assistance, information, and guidance. Additionally, these support networks play a critical role in the process of social integration (Hayata Destek, 2021).
Economic Experiences and Employment
The job search process is an important step for migrant women. Their experiences in finding employment in a new country can often encounter various challenges. However, various support networks and resources like Generation1.ca can positively impact their experiences. Firstly, local and national employment centers can provide significant support to migrant women. They offer access to job listings and provide guidance during the job search process by assisting with resume preparation and interview techniques. Generation1.ca’s career fairs not only provide direct job opportunities but also facilitate networking by allowing direct communication with company representatives and industry partners, thus making the job search process easier for migrants. Vocational training and counselling facilitate migrant women’s access to education and professional development opportunities. Generation1.ca’s initiatives and resources support acquiring jobs or enhancing existing skills of migrants in a new country, helping them become more competitive and independent in their desired roles.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are also an important resource supporting migrant women. These organizations provide various services such as psychosocial support, legal counselling, language education, and social integration programs, contributing to the economic and social empowerment of migrant women. Community centres, women’s solidarity groups, and mentorship programs enable migrant women to expand their social networks and support each other during the job search process. These groups allow migrant women to come together, share their experiences, and engage in mutual mentorship, making the job search process more efficient.
Lastly, government incentives for job creation, support for employers, and employment programs for job seekers shape and strengthen the economic experiences of migrant women. All these support networks like Generation1.ca, help migrant women gain economic independence and integrate into society, positively influencing their economic experiences and outcomes.
Factors such as language barriers, diverse work cultures, and perhaps non-recognition of their previous work or professional qualifications can complicate their job search processes. However, for migrant women, the job search can also mean a new beginning for economic independence. Education and professional development opportunities also impact migrant women’s economic experiences. Receiving education and accessing professional development opportunities in a new country fosters tremendous personal and professional growth. However, women also encounter various barriers to their education and professional development, both documented and undocumented.
The interaction between perceptions of economic independence and family dynamics is an important issue. The process of earning income can affect intra-family relationships and lead to the emergence of new roles among family members. Migrant women often want to support their families and be economically strong, which can lead them to be more active in the business world (Trejos & Wengland, 2023). Gender roles in society and economic participation are also significant factors shaping migrant women’s experiences. Gender norms influence women’s labour force participation rates and even result in women being underrepresented in certain sectors or positions. This shapes the economic experiences of migrant women and emphasizes efforts for gender equality (Dlamini et al., 2012).
Cultural Interactions and Social Change
Kohut’s self-psychology theory defines social connectedness as a construct that allows people to feel they are “being human among humans” (Kohut, 1984). Living in a new country, being exposed to different cultures, and interacting with these cultures can lead individuals to reevaluate their identities and values. This process can be an opportunity for personal growth and expand the perception and impact of cultural diversity.
Communication is a key component of cultural and social change. Communicating with individuals from different cultures enhances understanding and enriches cultural diversity. However, the process of communication and interaction can sometimes be challenging especially when working across a range of “high-context” and “low-context” cultures. Factors such as language barriers, understanding cultural differences, and misunderstandings can make communication difficult. These situations play a role in the adaptation process of migrant women and highlight the need to develop communication skills.
Moreover, changes in social norms and gender roles can also occur as a result of cultural interactions. Living in a new country can lead individuals to reconsider their traditional societal roles and adapt to new norms (Sahin, 2019). For example, changes such as increased participation of women in the workforce or the sharing of responsibilities within the family can emerge as consequences of stronger more deliberate cultural interactions. Finally, cultural interactions are an important factor shaping migrant women’s identities and values. This process can be an opportunity for personal growth and development, while also presenting challenges such as communication and changes in societal roles. However, overcoming these challenges and benefiting from cultural diversity can enable individuals to lead a richer and more fulfilled life.
Classmate Interview: Social, Economic, Cultural Experiences of Keerthana Vineed
I wanted to understand what my peer and classmate Keerthana Vineed had to say about female immigrant integration in relation to her own experiences and observations in relation to my own. Please read below.
Gizem Barutcu: Keerthana, can you share with us some general information about your immigration experience? Which country did you come from and when?
Keerthana Vineed: Certainly. I immigrated from India to Canada in April 2023, embarking on a year-long journey marked by various challenges and triumphs.
Gizem Barutcu: What were the most significant challenges you faced when starting to live in a new country? How did you overcome these challenges?
Keerthana Vineed: One of the biggest challenges was approaching strangers in a new country, which was daunting initially. To overcome this hurdle, I actively engaged in classes, workshops, and internships, where I forged new friendships and gradually felt a sense of belonging.
Gizem Barutcu: How did your social circle evolve during your immigration process? What challenges did you encounter in forming your social networks in the new country?
Keerthana Vineed: Initially, I gravitated towards fellow Indian international students. However, I later diversified my social circle by befriending individuals from different backgrounds, fostering cultural exchange and personal growth. The challenge was stepping out of my comfort zone and initiating conversations with people from diverse backgrounds.
Gizem Barutcu: How was the process of finding a job in the new country? What obstacles did you face regarding employment?
Keerthana Vineed: Securing employment in Canada as an international student proved arduous due to lack of prior experience, citizenship constraints, and occasional encounters with racial discrimination.
Gizem Barutcu: What opportunities and challenges have you encountered in terms of education and professional development in your new country?
Keerthana Vineed: Despite hurdles in securing and maintaining employment, navigating workplace challenges has taught me resilience and the importance of consistently showcasing my abilities. Additionally, Attending the career fair organized by my college was a pivotal moment in my journey. It provided me with valuable opportunities to network and engage with potential employers, which significantly contributed to my education and professional development in Canada.
Gizem Barutcu: Could you share your experiences regarding economic independence? Can you talk about the challenges and successes you faced in generating income?
Keerthana Vineed: Economic independence fluctuated due to the struggles in job acquisition, presenting a series of ups and downs in financial stability.
Gizem Barutcu: How has your cultural identity and values changed during your immigration process? What would you like to say about your process of adapting to the new cultural environment?
Keerthana Vineed: Immigrating to Canada altered my cultural landscape, as I grappled with the absence of familiar festivals and traditions. Balancing work, study, and cultural festivities remains a work in progress.
Gizem Barutcu: What kind of experiences have you had as an immigrant woman regarding societal gender roles and economic participation? Can you talk about the challenges and successes you have experienced in this regard?
Keerthana Vineed: Gender roles in Canada’s diverse society challenge traditional norms. Adapting to this egalitarian environment presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring adjustment and perseverance.
Gizem Barutcu: How do you cope with the cultural diversity you encounter in this new country? What would you like to say about your interactions with individuals from different cultures?
Keerthana Vineed: Coping with cultural diversity involves embracing differences and engaging in meaningful interactions. Interacting with individuals from varied backgrounds enriches understanding and fosters mutual respect.
Gizem Barutcu: Lastly, do you have any important messages you would like to convey to society regarding the social, economic, and cultural experiences of immigrant women? What advice do you have for those who have similar experiences?
Keerthana Vineed: Amidst the myriad experiences of immigration, maintaining self-confidence is paramount. Embrace challenges with resilience and believe in your abilities to navigate the social, economic, and cultural landscapes of a new country.
The journey of immigrant women is marked by multifaceted experiences across social, economic, and cultural dimensions. These experiences are often shaped by challenges such as language barriers, employment hurdles, cultural adjustments, and gender role dynamics. However, through resilience, active engagement with support networks, and embracing cultural diversity, professionals navigate these challenges and contribute significantly to their new societies. It’s crucial for societies to understand, support, and celebrate the diverse experiences of immigrant women, fostering inclusive environments that promote their social integration, economic empowerment, and cultural enrichment. Generation1.ca shines as a hub and central node to community support and resources in this regard.
Call to Action for Employers: Support Diverse Talent at Our Fall 2024 Career Fair!
The cultural significance of career fairs in facilitating job opportunities and professional development cannot be understated. Just like its past many editions, Generation1.ca’s Fall 2024 Virtual Insights Career Fair and Case Competition presents a valuable opportunity for professionals and graduates of immigrant women like Keerthana Vineed, to enhance their career prospects and network with industry leaders. In fact, the in-person preparation prelude is happening on Humber College’s International Graduate School campus on June 05, between 4 pm – 7 pm EST. Registering for the fall event can open doors to new opportunities and contribute significantly to career growth, collaborations, up-skilling and professional development opportunities and is free for jobseekers. If you are an employer looking to give back, please consider signing up as an employer for the fall career fair. You can learn all about the last one here.
References
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Bletscher, C., & Spiers, S. (2023). “Step by Step We Were Okay Now”: An Exploration of the Impact of Social Connectedness on the Well-Being of Congolese and Iraqi Refugee Women Resettled in the United States. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(7), 5324. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20075324
Carballo, M, Grocutt M, and Hadzihasanovic A. (1996). Women and migration: a public health issue. World Health Stat Q.;49(2), 158-64.
Dlamini, S. N., Anucha, U., & Wolfe, B. (2012). Negotiated positions: Immigrant women’s views and experiences of employment in Canada. Affilia, 27(4), 420-434. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886109912464479
Echeverría, C. (2013). HOPE [Painting]. © Carolina Echeverria – Hope. Retrieved from https://www.nativeimmigrant.com
Guruge, S., Thomson, M. S., George, U., & Chaze, F. (2015). Social support, social conflict, and immigrant women’s mental health in a Canadian context: a scoping review. Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing, 22(9), 655–667. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12216
Hayata Destek. (2021). Gender-Based Violence Guide in Humanitarian Aid Work. [https://www.hayatadestek.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/insani-yardim-calismalarinda-toplumsal-cinsiyet-temelli-siddet-rehberi.pdf
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Kohut, H. (1984). How Does Analysis Cure? New York, NY, USA: International Universities Press.
Martin, S. F. (2004). Women and migration. In Consultative Meeting On Migration And Mobility And How This Movement Affects Women, Malmo.
Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey: Public Use Microdata File. Data up to and including September 2022.
Sahin, M. (2019). The Role of Gender in Cultural Transmission. The Academic Elegance, 6(11), 28.
Topak, E. & Camur, E. (2022). Effects of Migration on Women and Social Work. Journal of Samsun Health Sciences, 7(1), 75-88.
Trejos, A., & Wengland, N. (2023). Everyone wants to integrate immigrant women but not many are willing to put the work into it. (Bachelor’s thesis, Jönköping University, School of Education and Communication).
Gizem Barutcu is a Clinical Psychologist, formerly practicing at The Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants in Ankara, Turkey, before moving to Toronto. She has completed her Research Analyst Program at Humber College and Winter 2024 Generation1.ca RAP Internship.
