Employment as a Criterion for the Integration of Internally Displaced Women in Ukraine

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of the article is to investigate the conditions and criteria for the successful integration of internally displaced women into the labor market of territorial communities in Western Ukraine. The authors seek to identify the factors influencing the integration process, such as social and economic conditions, levels of discrimination, and the emotional state of women, as well as to assess the dynamics of satisfaction with these criteria during the period of 2022-2023. Design/methodology/approach. To achieve the aim of the study, the article uses a combination of scientific methods, in particular: comparative and statistical analysis - to analyse the results of the survey; problem-oriented - to identify the main problems related to employment opportunities for internally displaced women and their integration into the community environment. The abstract and logical method was used to formulate conclusions and theoretically summarise the results of the study. Findings The article identifies that the effectiveness of adaptation and integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) depends on access to various resources—personal, economic, and sociocultural. As part of the survey conducted, the authors studied the intentions of displaced women regarding their continued stay in the new communities. The authors substantiated that the integration and adaptation of IDPs largely depend on two main groups of factors: 1) the psycho-emotional state, internal resources, and personal desire of displaced persons to socialize, be socially and economically active, and make the decision to stay in the new community for an extended period; 2) the willingness of the host community (local residents, local authorities) to accept displaced persons as new members of the community, not just temporary residents, and to treat their past experiences, war-related traumas, and differences with respect, while also assisting with their adaptation, employment, and meeting their basic needs, such as organizing their household. As part of the survey, the intentions of displaced women regarding their continued stay in the new communities were examined. The research findings suggest that those displaced women who felt part of the new community and successfully integrated into the new living environment experienced significant improvements in their emotional state. The study also identified a relationship between the emotional state of displaced women and their level of awareness about events in the community. The study revealed a correlation between the emotional state of displaced women and their level of awareness of community events. The results indicate low participation of IDPs in most political and community activities in their new communities. After living for some time in the community, displaced women begin to adapt to the new conditions and integrate into the living environment. However, to ensure this happens quickly and on a larger scale, certain efforts are required. The most successful cases occurred in communities where local authorities, volunteers, and psychologists worked to improve the level of awareness about community events, which ultimately contributed to the improved emotional state of the displaced women. Practical implications. The practical significance of the study is to identify the key factors that contribute to the successful integration of internally displaced women in the labour market of territorial communities. The findings can be used by local governments, NGOs and other stakeholders to develop support programmes that will facilitate women's employment and social adaptation, improve their emotional state, reduce discrimination and ensure stable conditions for integration into local communities. Support programmes can include basic training courses that provide job search skills, including how to write CVs and cover letters, how to successfully complete interviews, how to apply for start-up capital through mini-grants, and how to use modern information technology. It is also important to provide access to information about part-time or flexible jobs, including the possibility of working remotely. Originality/value. The originality and value of the study lies in a comprehensive approach to the study of the process of integration of internally displaced women into territorial communities through the prism of their employment. The study offers a new approach to the study of integration, taking into account both social and economic factors of the environment in which women live. This allows for a better understanding of the complexity of this process and provides practical recommendations for governmental and non-governmental organisations to develop effective strategies to support internally displaced persons. The uniqueness of the study lies in the fact that it covers several regions of Western Ukraine and was conducted in two stages during 2022-2023, which allows us to assess the dynamics of changes in perceptions and satisfaction with the conditions of integration. This study has practical value, as its results can be used to improve policies and programmes to support internally displaced persons.