Abstract

Somali women are experiencing barriers within the Canadian labour market due to islamophobia, racism, and their gendered roles. Like other racialized immigrants, Somali women's position within the labour market is peripheral. In Canada, racialized women experience precarious work, underemployment, unemployment and a noticeable wage gap. To add to these obstacles Somali women face the responsibility for social reproduction and lack in social capital. Somali immigrants and refugees in Canada have not received enough support from the government with regards to integration. Additionally, the labour market challenges and marginalization they experience results in poverty and has serious health consequences. However, Somali women exhibit resiliency and possess survival mechanisms. Inclusivity within the labour market for Somali women requires multi-sector policies and programs that combat inequality based on race, religion and gender. Key Words: Somali women, labour market, racism, islamophobia, social reproduction, social capital, Integration

Highlights

  • In Canada, Somali women are a vulnerable population especially when it comes to the labour market on the basis of race, religion and gender

  • The key research question that guides this paper is: What are the barriers that affect women of Somali descent in the labour market in Canada, especially in accessing professional well-paying jobs? This paper aims to study the literature and examine the possible obstacles that exist when it comes to Somali women and their entrance into the labour market in Canada

  • As racialized women this review investigates their place within the Canadian labour market; their portrayal as Muslims both locally in Canada and Globally; biases and assumptions that comes with their identity as immigrants and refugees; the importance of social capital; the social reproduction barrier that blocks their place in gaining optimum labour market success and the role of the Canadian government when it comes to integration and settlement

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Summary

A Major Research Paper presented to Ryerson University

Author’s Declaration Page I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this MRP. I authorize Ryerson University to lend this MRP to other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. I further authorize Ryerson University to reproduce this MRP by photocopying or by other means, in total or in part, at the request of other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. SOMALI IMMIGRANT WOMEN IN THE CANADIAN LABOUR MARKET: BARRIERS AND CONSEQUENCES Hani Leila Mohamed Master of Arts 2019. In Canada, racialized women experience precarious work, underemployment, unemployment and a noticeable wage gap. To add to these obstacles Somali women face the responsibility for social reproduction and lack in social capital.

INTRODUCTION
The Place of Racialized Women in The Canadian Labour Market Racialized people in
Portrayal of Muslims in
Common Assumptions and Biases About Somali Women
Social Networks, Social Capital and the Labour Market Social
Gender, Social Reproduction and Relationship to the Labour Market
Settlement Policies and Practices of the Canadian Government
Racialization of Poverty
Health of Somali Women
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Survival and Resilience in an Unwelcoming and Unequal Environment
Towards an Inclusive Labour Market for Racialized and Gendered Immigrants
Findings
Future Research There is very little research on
Full Text
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