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This book delves into the experiences of Ukrainian women forced to leave their country in search of refuge following the devastating escalation of Russian war in February 2022, exploring the diverse forms of capital they bring with them and develop on the way.
Drawing on extensive original research, the book focuses on Ukrainian female war migrants in Poland - a country that, even before the war, served as the primary destination for Ukrainian labour migrants and now hosts a significant number of refugees. The book examines the human, social, psychological, and economic capital Ukrainian women bring with them, alongside their participation in the local labour market, their mobilisation of resources, and the acquisition of new skills and knowledge. Far from merely documenting this historic wave of migration, this book highlights the potential of Ukrainian women to become key agents in Ukraine's post-war reconstruction and development, by bringing social remittances such as ideas, practices, and norms back home with them.
Integrating advanced statistical analysis of data from over 340 migrants with rich qualitative insights, this book will be an important resource for researchers studying migration, security, politics, sociology, and development. It also provides valuable insights and data for NGOs and policymakers working to support Ukrainian migrants in Poland and beyond.
About the author
Izabela Grabowska is Full Professor of Social Sciences, sociologist and economist in the Department of Economics, Kozminski University, and Director of the Center for Research on Social Change and Human Mobility (CRASH), Poland.
Ivanna Kyliushyk is Post-doctoral research fellow at the Kozminski University, the Center for Research on Social Change and Mobility (CRASH), Poland.
Emil Chról is a PhD Candidate at University of Warsaw, research assistant at the Center for Research on Social Change and Mobility (CRASH) of Kozminski University, Poland.
Report
"Although Ukrainian migration to Poland is not new, the Russian invasion in 2022 sparked a massive surge in cross border movements with consequences for forced migrants themselves and Polish society more broadly. This book focuses on the experiences of Ukrainian women and in particular considers their experiences of embedding in labour markets. The authors draw on rich data to explore how these women transfer their skills and work experiences across borders and different economic opportunity structures. This book adds important new insights on the on-going consequences of war and forced mobilities."
Louise Ryan, London Metropolitan University.
"The book offers insightful history, analysis, and understanding of the experiences of Ukrainian female war migrants in Poland. Adapting a very humane perspective is inspiring and makes an important contribution to gender, refugee, and conflict studies. It should be a required read for all looking to expand their knowledge in these fields."
Iryna Lapshyna, Ukrainian Catholic University.
