Barcelona workshop to discuss research on e-skills and employability for immigrant women in Europe

Immigrant women, e-skills, and employability in Europe project researchers will be gathering in Barcelona from July 6–9, 2009, to refine the study’s conceptual framework, discuss preliminary findings, review field notes, map the main factors that contribute to or limit the employability, and discuss the role of e-skills. This workshop will take place at Centre Esplai. This project explores the contribution of basic digital competencies

(or e-skills) in improving employment opportunities for immigrant women in Spain, Italy, Hungary, and the Netherlands. Many women to leave their homes in search of economic opportunities, facing discrimination, racism, and exploitation. There are indications that immigrant women contribute to the economy of the receiving countries. In Spain and Italy, for example, immigrant women who provide care for kids and the elderly have allowed local women to come back to the labor market — increasing not only the income for the family but overall economic productivity. Despite their contributions, immigrant women’s capabilities are often under-estimated and their opportunities for better-paying work are limited. Obsolete immigration laws, prejudice, and a lack of opportunities (and time) to learn new skills are some of the issues that leave immigrant women trapped in dead-end and below-minimum wage jobs.