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This EMN study documents if and to what extent EU Member States consider the distinct situation of migrant women in their integration policies and measures. This study focuses on the integration of migrant women in the main sectorial areas covered by the EU Action plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021-2027 including education and training, employment and skills, health and housing as these are considered by the Action Plan as the basis for societal integration. In this study the term ‘integration’ is used in a broad sense to encompass integration and inclusion policies and measures addressing migrant women. Integration policies refer to targeted integration strategies and action plans but also broader policy instruments relevant to the integration of migrant women such as sector specific governmental programmes (health, education, employment, housing, etc.). Measures include systematic initiatives (multi-year / long term), projects (ad-hoc) and legislative (structural) measures that are used to implement the integration policies (including those funded by government but implemented by NGOs on behalf of the government).
A majority of EU Member States have integration policies in place, however, only a few specifically address women in their national integration policies. Responsibility for integration policies is shared between national, regional and local levels in the majority of EU Member States. Labour market integration of migrant women is one of the main topics of debate across EU Member States. Other challenges raised included discrimination, a lack of social networks, limited access to childcare and other family constraints.
Member States overall acknowledged the need for specific policies relevant for integration tailored to migrant women. Most EU Member States have developed dedicated policies that address the integration of migrant women mainly in relation to accessing the labour market and civic integration, followed by language training, education and health.
The majority of Member States did not develop specific integration policies, or adapt existing ones, to reduce the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrant women. However, several Member States were planning new policies or changes to existing ones to further enhance the integration of migrant women, including to address the impact of COVID-19.
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