Speaker
Description
Since the 1990s, immigration to Spain, especially in Catalonia and the Valencian Community, has grown significantly, sparking public debate and numerous studies. Romanian migration, in particular, increased dramatically in the early 2000s after the fall of the Eastern European communist bloc, making Romanians one of the largest immigrant groups in Spain. This doctoral study focuses on the labour integration of Romanian immigrant women in Barcelona, Valencia, and Castellón, analysing their employment profiles, labour trajectories, and the factors aiding their entry into the workforce.
The study employs a mixed methodology, using surveys for demographic and employment data and interviews for personal insights into their labour experiences. Preliminary findings show that most Romanian women work in lower-paying sectors such as hospitality, domestic work, agriculture, and, less frequently, healthcare and education. Many face challenges like precarious work conditions, limited recognition of qualifications, and high mobility due to economic crises and recent labour reforms. The study highlights the importance of factors like EU policies and social networks in supporting their integration and calls for further analysis to address the specific challenges faced by Romanian immigrant women in Spain.
| Presenting author | Ioana Felicia Marin |
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