GEN-MIGRA: Migrant women’s experiences of COVID-19 pandemic

This event will present findings from a research project carried out in four countries (UK, Brazil, Germany and Poland) with migrant women and the impact of the pandemic on their work conditions, family life and migration plans. The event will focus on the findings in the UK and draw out implications for supporting migrant women and their families post-pandemic. Participants will discuss how to tackle gender inequalities post-pandemic through better gender-responsive policies and improved service provision for migrant women and their families.

This event will bring together practitioners and policymakers working with migrant women through key services (third sector, education, healthcare) during the COVID-19 pandemic and also policy makers interested in service delivery for migrant groups.

The event will include the following activities:

- Presentations from a panel of speakers (academic and representatives of voluntary sector) on the impact of the pandemic on migrant inequalities and migrant families in the UK and internationally (60 minutes).

- Launch of a Policy and practice Briefing on supporting migrant women post-pandemic, with a presentation of summary recommendations (15 minutes);

- Group discussion of implications of research findings for services and policy (60 minutes);

- An open debate on how to improve multi-agency service delivery for migrant families in times of austerity (45 minutes).

Better service delivery and inclusion of marginalized groups are key issues on current public sector agenda, especially post COVID-19 pandemic. Key services are under pressure to rationalise resources and yet sustain levels of service and improve service users’ experiences.

This event will start with a presentation of research carried out with migrant women in the UK and three other countries (Poland, Germany, Brazil). Findings on the impact of the pandemic on migrant women’s work opportunities, health and well-being, family relationships will be presented by the research team.

Based on these findings, participants will be invited to consider implications for gender-informed service delivery and new policy development. We will also discuss what can be done to reduce gender inequalities in relation to migrant groups, post-Brexit post-pandemic.

Host or Publisher HaSS University of Strathclyde