What Helps Migrant and Displaced Women Rebuild Their Economic Lives? Insights from Recent European Research

Across Europe, policymakers, researchers and practitioners are asking the same question: what helps migrant and displaced women rebuild their economic lives?

Recent research consistently shows that economic inclusion extends far beyond employment alone. It is shaped by access to housing and childcare, language learning, recognition of qualifications, emotional wellbeing, supportive communities and opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills.

Although these studies were conducted in different countries and contexts, they point in a remarkably consistent direction. Together, they reinforce many of the principles that informed the design of the ReRootED curriculum.

Economic integration is about much more than finding a job

According to the comparative study “Social Adaptation of Women from Ukraine under Forced Migration: A Comparative Analysis of Ukraine and Bulgaria”, successful integration depends not only on individual resilience but also on access to housing, language learning, employment opportunities and social services. Even where support systems exist, language remains one of the strongest barriers to economic participation.

These findings highlight that economic participation cannot be separated from the broader conditions that enable women to rebuild their lives and become active members of their communities.

Entrepreneurship often begins as a pathway to autonomy

According to the study “The Effectiveness of Policies Supporting the Economic Activity of Internally Displaced Women as Part of Ukraine’s Early Recovery,” entrepreneurship frequently emerges not as a planned career choice but as a practical response to limited employment opportunities, low wages and barriers within the labour market.

Rather than representing ambition alone, entrepreneurship often becomes a pathway towards financial stability, autonomy and renewed agency.

Removing barriers requires integrated support

According to the German study “Arbeitsmarktpolitische Integration von geflüchteten Frauen,” successful labour market integration rarely depends on a single intervention. The strongest outcomes are achieved when language learning, recognition of qualifications, childcare and targeted employment support are combined.

A similar conclusion is reached in the European Parliament’s study “New Approaches to Labour Market Integration of Migrants and Refugees.” The report argues for moving beyond vacancy matching towards integrated support systems that reduce administrative barriers, expand access to learning and accompany people throughout their transition into employment.

Together, these studies suggest that sustainable economic inclusion requires coordinated support rather than isolated programmes.

Well-being and confidence are economic resources

Across the research reviewed, emotional wellbeing emerges as an important factor influencing economic participation.

Confidence, resilience, self-belief and supportive relationships affect whether women feel able to pursue employment, entrepreneurship or further education. Economic recovery is therefore not only about developing technical skills, but also about rebuilding confidence after displacement and uncertainty.

This understanding is reflected in the ReRootED curriculum, where emotional wellbeing is integrated throughout the learning journey rather than treated as a separate topic.

Communities shape opportunities for inclusion

According to the study “Employment as a Criterion for the Integration of Internally Displaced Women,” employment is only one indicator of successful integration. Experiences of discrimination, emotional wellbeing and the support provided by local communities are equally important in determining whether women feel they belong.

These findings underline that inclusion is a shared responsibility. Public institutions, civil society organisations, employers and local communities all contribute to creating environments where women can participate, develop professionally and build sustainable futures.

From research to practice

Across countries, methodologies and research traditions, the evidence points in a remarkably consistent direction: economic inclusion is built through a combination of practical opportunities, supportive environments and personal agency.

Women are more likely to participate in economic life when they have access to learning opportunities, supportive networks, childcare, language education, emotional support and realistic pathways towards employment or entrepreneurship.

These insights informed the development of the ReRootED curriculum, which combines entrepreneurship, resilience, emotional wellbeing and practical business tools into one learning journey. As the curriculum enters its pilot phase, the research continues to reinforce an important message: supporting migrant and displaced women requires more than helping them find work—it means creating the conditions that enable them to thrive.

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