in 2023, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences’ design center MUOVA, through the Erasmus+-funded MentoraSTEAM project, will explore the unique challenges faced by highly skilled migrant women in Finland, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). focused on the challenges of The project, which ended in August 2023, aimed to increase these women’s confidence, employability and professional skills, increasing their chances of finding employment.
Seema Gannou‘s story exemplifies the experiences of many accomplished immigrant women. An electrician from India with 14 years of experience, Ngannou moved to Vaasa in 2004. Her career took a turn as she engaged in community activities while raising her children, including joining her PTA and working as a food columnist for local media. In Vasa. Despite her professional background and her new skills, Ganoo faced significant obstacles in returning to her workplace.
An important event hosted by MUOVA in August 2023 brought together migrant women and representatives of various organizations to discuss employment challenges. Discussions highlighted issues such as gender inequality, the need for proficiency in Finnish and Swedish, and age discrimination, especially for those over 50.
Mr. Ngannou pointed out the inconsistency of language requirements in the professional world, where work is often conducted in English. Despite efforts to learn Finnish and Swedish, the language barrier remains a major hurdle.
To address these challenges, the event explored networking as a potential solution. Establishing connections between organizations that support immigrant women allows for better information sharing and access to resources. Tanja OlavitaMUOVA’s International Project Manager, emphasized the importance of exploring and promoting this networking idea.
Another innovative proposal was to organize “speed dating” events between companies and immigrants to reduce prejudice and increase job interview opportunities. Ganoo’s own experience applying for marketing and communications jobs, despite his wealth of experience, highlights the need for such efforts. She suggested internships as a way for immigrants to demonstrate their skills and gain local work experience.
The MentoraSTEAM project culminated in the creation of a guide for policy makers aimed at improving the employability of migrant women in the STEAM sector. This guide covers key issues such as de-skilling, employment mismatch and the impact on host country productivity.
Ngannou’s story and insights from the MUOVA event highlight a broader story of the untapped potential of Finland’s skilled immigrant women. By addressing language barriers, fostering networks and creating opportunities for direct engagement with employers, Finland can unlock a wealth of talent and experience and make a significant contribution to the country’s STEAM sector.
HT