Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Migrant women often face unique vulnerabilities that impact their health and well-being, shaped by social determinants such as working and living conditions. In Portugal, limited research has explored these intersecting challenges, particularly through participatory approaches centering the voices of migrant women. In a mixed-methods approach, we engaged 600 migrant women in a comprehensive survey and conducted semi-structured interviews and co-creation workshops with >30 participants. The study aimed to map key barriers to health, identify risk groups and collaboratively develop strategies to promote social inclusion and access to care. Quantitative data were complemented with qualitative insights to deepen understanding of lived experiences. Findings showed that many migrant women experience long working hours, low wages, precarious and informal contracts and limited access to essential labor rights, including sick leave and health insurance. Language barriers, difficulties in obtaining documentation and social isolation further limit their access to healthcare services and their ability to advocate for their rights. Mental health needs, including perceived anxiety and depression, emerged as a critical concern. Reproductive health issues and unmet healthcare needs were also prominent. Cluster analysis highlighted that pregnant women and recent mothers are a subgroup in a vulnerable situation, facing compounded risks linked to their migration status, employment conditions, and restricted social support networks. The participatory co-creation workshops helped identify community-driven solutions and policy recommendations to improve access to health and mental health services and reduce social exclusion. Key proposals included culturally sensitive mental health support and better translation and mediation services. The findings underline the need for multisectoral strategies to promote equity, protect health, and foster social inclusion among migrant women in Portugal.
Authors: A Gama, MJ Marques, S Dias
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,181
OpenAlex ID: W7101404329
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