Perceived barriers based on lived experiences of recent visible minority immigrant women's labour force integration : a phenomenological study based in Prince George, BC

The study investigated the lived experiences of visible minority immigrant (VMI) women and their economic integration in Canada, using Prince George as a case study. The thesis explored the barriers to labour market integration of a sample of VMI women, using phenomenological research methods. For data collection face-to-face interviews were conducted with 10 recently migrated VMI women residing in Prince George, BC. Major findings of the study revealed nine barriers, out of which, four (cultural differences, lack of access to affordable and reliable childcare, discrimination, and credential assessment challenges) were found to be more prominent. The study concluded with recommended policy initiatives that may ease the economic integration of VMI women, such as bridging programs and subsidized childcare. The study concluded that a proactive shift in the mind frames of immigrant women may facilitate their integration by better preparing them to handle various challenges accompanying the settlement experience