Young adult women from refugee backgrounds and the role that systemic barriers play in the pursuit of their educational and career goals
Sonja Aicha van der Putten
PhD Candidate (she/her/hers) – Educational Theory & Practice – Equity Stream, SFU
Tuesday, March 1
11:00 am – 12 pm
Online via Zoom
[ Abstract ]
Canada must do more to provide the educational opportunities refugee populations require to access gainful employment and to integrate in meaningful ways into their new communities. Failure to do so leaves newcomer populations lacking essential language skills, employability training, financial independence, and a sense of belonging in their new country.
Education is the gateway for improved employment opportunities, particularly for young women from refugee backgrounds for whom the development of academic, leadership and entrepreneurial skills, can help them achieve higher paying employment, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and help them support their families. However, educational policy development has not kept pace with the rapid rate of resettlement of newcomers to Canada. Existing research and policy ignore the unique context and individualized experiences that refugees endure, including the systemic barriers and power imbalances that young women disproportionately face in their settlement journey.
This study explored the educational and career goals of young women from refugee backgrounds in Canada and examined the systemic barriers they face in pursuing these goals. This paper will focus on the role that gender plays in the practical ability for these young women to pursue their educational and career aspirations.
Results from this study found that justice for young adult women from refugee backgrounds in Canada requires a redistribution of resources and recognition of systemic barriers at all levels of decision-making. Higher educational institutions are increasingly playing a role in settlement and need to be supported in doing so. Resources need to be made available to support the educational and career aspirations of these young women. These resources begin with safe and affordable housing. When the basic needs of newcomers are met, then they can work towards pursuing their higher-level personal goals. There is also a greater need for recognition of gender, race, and age barriers to be able to understand and redress class, race, and gender-based injustices in the current Canadian context.
[ Bio ]
Sonja is a PhD candidate in the Educational Theory and Practice: Curriculum and Pedagogy Stream at Simon Fraser University. Her research is focused on students from refugee backgrounds; settlement and belonging; education equity in higher education; Canadian education policy and decision-making; and the role of gender in equitable educational access. Sonja is secondary school Social Studies teacher, and a sessional instructor at SFU in the Faculty of Education. Her research is funded by a Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate scholarship.
[ About the Migration Grad Student Power Hour ]
The Centre for Migration Studies Grad Student Power Hour provides opportunities for UBC graduate students to share their research on migration beyond their home departments and network with faculty and students from across the university and in the broader community sector. The Power Hour will begin with 10 minutes of networking opportunities, followed by a 30 minute talk and 20 minutes for discussion. Anyone is welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!
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