Integrate #howto 17: Looking for a dreamjob

Photo by margarit ralev from FreeImages

How big are your dreams and expectations for the future? How big should the dreams of migrant-women be?

Life can hit nasty blows. Two years ago I had to give up a long held dream. I had to reinvent myself and my future. I was lucky to have a safety-net in the form of a stable relationship, a strong network of friends and family, and very basic, a stable financial situation and a good education. But it wasn’t easy to be 35 and face the question: “What should I do now?”

My migrant-friends also have to reinvent themselves, but often without a strong local network, knowledge of the Dutch system, nor a stable financial situation or diplomas that Dutch companies know how to value.

I see many migrant friends tune down their dreams far below their potential. Like my Iranian friend who dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but now doesn’t dare to think beyond becoming a maternity nurse. (Nothing wrong with maternity nurses, not a great match for her though). A talented Syrian friend is now a supermarket stock girl, trying to help make ends meet for her family. And the list goes on and on. I hear these stories and want to scream: “You have so much to offer! Don’t give up on your dreams so easily.” But it seems the Dutch system got to them, telling them again and again: “your chances are over, too bad. Go for the bread job.”

These are not just personal dramas: As a Dutch society we are not using the talents of countless inhabitants of this country. And while there is a growing demand for qualified workers, countless migrant-women have trouble finding suitable work.

The current system of inburgering mainly invests in problem cases. High potentials are supposed to be able to figure things out all by themselves. And although many high potentials do become self-sufficient, they too often end up not using their talents.

What are some of the obstacles in the integration process of migrant-women? I mention just three:

1. Belated start: Many migrant-women follow their husband. They arrive later and end up waiting to start their inburgering. While husband learns the language, gets educated, finds a job, they end up taking care of a growing family and postpones her dreams. When it’s the wife’s turn, budget and energy for an effective inburgeringsprocess are often depleted.
2. Mismatch education - Dutch jobmarket. Many migrant-women are educated for language-intensive jobs. Both migrant women and Dutch business expect their Dutch cannot develop to the level required to work in equivalent jobs. Without excess to budget for adequate (re-)training, many experienced teachers for instance are without work.  But even for technically or medically trained women its hard to find suitable jobs. Validating their diplomas is often time-consuming or complex. And many Dutch companies have trouble valuing the foreign diplomas.
3. For women, more than men, the care for children limits job options. Because women are often the main caregivers in the family, their inburgeringprocess and education is extra expensive, due to childcare costs. Besides, travelling to work is often not an option, as mums need to stay close to the childcare institutions in case of emergencies. As a result they need to find jobs closer to home and are more dependent on local companies. Companies less experienced with, and thus more hesitant to, work with intercultural talent. 

Instead of expecting these women to pull themselves out of the swamp by their own hairs, we as a Dutch society could do more to develop the talents of these migrant women. For instance, government could provide budget and opportunities for (re-)education beyond minimal inburgering requirements. Businesses could develop in-house trainingprograms especially for HBO+ level jobs. And finally, we should work on finding practical and affordable solutions for daycare to women eager to develop themselves beyond basic inburgering-requirements.

Are you as a company or organisation working on an initiative to further the plight of talented migrant-women? I love to help you develop your initiative and to look for funding.

And what could you do as a person? Tell your friend: “You are awesome. I believe in you and your dreams. Let’s dream together and find a way to realise them.”