What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face

What
What
What
Barriers
Barriers
to
to
Employment
Employment
do
do
What
What
WhatBarriers
Barriers
Barriers
Barriers
Barriersto
to
to
toEmployment
Employment
Employment
Employment
Employmentdo
do
do
do
do
Somali
Somali
Somali
Women
Women
in
in
Camden
Camden
face?
face?
Somali
Somali
Somali
SomaliWomen
Women
Women
Women
Womenin
in
in
inCamden
Camden
Camden
Camden
Camdenface?
face?
face?
face?
by
by
by
Amal
Amal
Amal
Mohamed
Mohamed
Mohamed
by
by
by
Amal
Amal
Amal
Amal
Mohamed
Mohamed
Mohamed
Mohamed
Accredited
Accredited
Accredited
Community
Community
Community
Empowerment
Empowerment
Empowerment
Course:
Course:
Course:
Accredited
Accredited
Accredited
Accredited
Community
Community
Community
Community
Empowerment
Empowerment
Empowerment
Empowerment
Course:
Course:
Course:
Course:
Development
Development
Development
and
and
and
Presentation
Presentation
Presentation
of
Research
Research
Research
Skills
Skills
Skills
Development
Development
Development
Development
and
and
and
and
Presentation
Presentation
Presentation
Presentation
ofof
ofof
of
Research
Research
Research
Research
Skills
Skills
Skills
Skills
2011-2012
2011-2012
2011-2012
2011-2012
2011-2012
2011-2012
2011-2012
Amal Mohamed
Amal Mohamed
Amal Mohamed
Contents
Page
Contents
Contents Page
Page
Contents Page ................................................................................................................ 1
Contents Page ................................................................................................................ 1
Contents Page ................................................................................................................ 1
Chapter 1: ....................................................................................................................... 2
Chapter 1: ....................................................................................................................... 2
Chapter 1: ....................................................................................................................... 2
(i) Introduction ........................................................................................................... 2
(i) Introduction ........................................................................................................... 2
(i) Introduction ........................................................................................................... 2
(ii) Literature review .................................................................................................. 3
(ii) Literature review .................................................................................................. 3
(ii)
review
.................................................................................................. 3
(iii) Literature
Methodology
.......................................................................................................
5
(iii) Methodology ....................................................................................................... 5
(iii)
.......................................................................................................
(iv) Methodology
Ethical considerations
......................................................................................... 5
6
(iv) Ethical considerations ......................................................................................... 6
(iv) Ethical
considerations
.........................................................................................
Chapter
2: Research
findings &
Discussions .................................................................. 6
7
Chapter 2: Research findings & Discussions .................................................................. 7
Chapter
2: Research
findings & Discussions ..................................................................10
7
Bibliography
..................................................................................................................
Bibliography .................................................................................................................. 10
Bibliography .................................................................................................................. 10
1
1
1
What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?
What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?
What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?
Chapter
1:
Chapter
Chapter 1:
1:
(i)
Introduction
(i)
Introduction
(i)
Introduction
This research focuses on the barriers Somali women in Camden face to access the
This research focuses on the barriers Somali women in Camden face to access the
This
research
the barriers
Somali
women
in Camden
faceintothe
access
the
labour
market.focuses
Somali on
migrants
are the
largest
refugee
community
London
labour market. Somali migrants are the largest refugee community in the London
labour
market.
Somaliyetmigrants
arebeen
the very
largest
refugee
community
the
Borough
of Camden,
there has
limited
research
carriedinout
to London
assess
Borough of Camden, yet there has been very limited research carried out to assess
Borough
of Camden,
there has
very limited
research
carriedtoout
to assess
the community
social,yet
economic
andbeen
educational
needs
and attempt
meaningfully
the community social, economic and educational needs and attempt to meaningfully
the
community
economic
and educational
needs and
attempt
meaningfully
address
them. social,
This research
project
has been carried
out with
the to
support
of the
address them. This research project has been carried out with the support of the
address
them. This Trust
research
project
hasOldfield
been carried
with the
of the
African Educational
and the
Evelyn
Unit. Itout
is hoped
thatsupport
the finding
of
African Educational Trust and the Evelyn Oldfield Unit. It is hoped that the finding of
African
Educational
Trust the
and planning
the Evelyn
Unit. It is
that the Women’s
finding of
this
research
will inform
of Oldfield
a new project
athoped
The Shadow
this research will inform the planning of a new project at The Shadow Women’s
this
research
will inform where
the planning
a new project
The Shadow
Women’s
Centre,
an organisation
I have ofvolunteered
as aatcommunity
worker
since
Centre, an organisation where I have volunteered as a community worker since
Centre,
an Shadow
organisation
whereCentre
I haveis volunteered
as a community
worker
since
2009. The
Women’s
a Camden based
organisation
for women
2009. The Shadow Women’s Centre is a Camden based organisation for women
2009.
The
Shadow
Women’s
is such
a Camden
based
organisation
women
from the
Horn
of Africa
workingCentre
in areas
as health,
employment
and for
education.
from the Horn of Africa working in areas such as health, employment and education.
from the Horn the
of Africa
workinghas
in areas
such asto
health,
Unfortunately
organisation
not managed
secureemployment
any fundingand
thiseducation.
year.
Unfortunately the organisation has not managed to secure any funding this year.
Unfortunately the organisation has not managed to secure any funding this year.
The main objective of the research is to identify the barriers to employment faced by
The main objective of the research is to identify the barriers to employment faced by
The
main
objectiveeligible
of the research
to identify
to Iemployment
faced by
Somali
migrants,
for work is
and
residentthe
in barriers
Camden.
will then attempt
to
Somali migrants, eligible for work and resident in Camden. I will then attempt to
Somali
for workquestions:
and resident in Camden. I will then attempt to
provide migrants,
an answereligible
to the following
provide an answer to the following questions:
provide an answer to the following questions:
•
What are the barriers faced by Somali women to access employment?
•
What are the barriers faced by Somali women to access employment?
•
What are the barriers faced by Somali women to access employment?
•
What support is available to Somali women to access the labour market?
•
What support is available to Somali women to access the labour market?
•
What support is available to Somali women to access the labour market?
•
Are training and employment support currently available to Somali migrants in
•
Are training and employment support currently available to Somali migrants in
•Camden
Aresufficient
training and
and appropriate
employmenttosupport
currently
Somali
migrants. in
meet the
specificavailable
needs oftothis
community?
Camden sufficient and appropriate to meet the specific needs of this community? .
Camden sufficient and appropriate to meet the specific needs of this community? .
2
2
2
Amal Mohamed
Amal Mohamed
Amal Mohamed
(ii)
Literature
review
(ii)
Literature
review
(ii)
Literature
review
In 2008, Jeremy Sare published
a very alarming analysis of the issues faced by
In 2008, Jeremy Sare published a very alarming analysis of the issues faced by
In
2008,communities
Jeremy Sare
a very
alarming reporting
analysis of
faced by
Somali
in published
England on
the Guardian
on the
highissues
unemployment
Somali communities in England on the Guardian reporting on high unemployment
Somali
in England
on the
Guardian
on high1. unemployment
and the communities
lowest educational
attainment
among
ethnicreporting
minority groups
and the lowest educational attainment among ethnic minority groups 11.
and the lowest
educational
attainment
amonginvisible
ethnic minority
groups
.
Somali
population
has remained
largely
and their
needs
have been
Somali population has remained largely invisible and their needs have been
Somali
population
hasnational
remained
largely invisible
and report
their will
needs
have
been
neglected
by local and
policy-makers.
I hope this
be an
important
neglected by local and national policy-makers. I hope this report will be an important
neglected
by because
local anditnational
policy-makers.
I hope
this reportand
will reveals
be an important
step forward
casts light
on these hidden
experiences
some of
step forward because it casts light on these hidden experiences and reveals some of
step
forward problems
because itand
casts
lightneeds
on these
hiddenpeople
experiences
reveals some of
the extreme
urgent
of Somali
acrossand
England.
the extreme problems and urgent needs of Somali people across England.
the extreme
and urgent
needs of research
Somali people
across
England.
Despite
the problems
limited amount
of published
on the
Somali
community, it is
Despite the limited amount of published research on the Somali community, it is
Despite
limitedthat
amount
of published
on the Somali
community,
it is
generallythe
agreed
unemployment
is research
a very common
experience
for Somali
generally agreed that unemployment is a very common experience for Somali
generally
agreed the
that available
unemployment
a very
commonout
experience
Somali
migrants. Among
studies,is the
one carried
by LondonforGuildhall
migrants. Among the available studies, the one carried out by London Guildhall
migrants.
available of
studies,
onePeople
carriedLiving
out by
London Guildhall
University,Among
“Needs the
Assessment
Somali the
Young
in Camden”
in 2001
University, “Needs Assessment of Somali Young People Living in Camden” in 2001
University,
“Needs
Assessment
of Somaliand
Young
PeopleofLiving
in Camden”
in 2001
identifies high
levels
of unemployment
patterns
long-term
unemployment
identifies high levels of unemployment and patterns of long-term unemployment
identifies
levels
of unemployment
and on
patterns
of long-term
unemployment
across thehigh
Somali
population.
The study goes
to present
the following
issues:
across the Somali population. The study goes on to present the following issues:
across the Somali population. The study goes on to present the following issues:
•
High levels of dependence on state welfare and support
•
High levels of dependence on state welfare and support
•
High levels of dependence on state welfare and support
•
An over-representation of Somalis in manual forms of work and an under•
An over-representation of Somalis in manual forms of work and an under•representation
An over-representation
of Somalis and
in manual forms of work and an underin managerial employment;
representation in managerial employment; and
representation in managerial employment; and
•
A very limited presence and impact on the local economy as the Somali
•
A very limited presence and impact on the local economy as the Somali
•population
A very
limited
presence economic
and impact
on thein local
as owned
the Somali
lacks
any extensive
footprint
termseconomy
of business
and
population lacks any extensive economic footprint in terms of business owned and
population
lacks anyestablishment
extensive economic
the
size of business
owned. footprint in terms of business owned and
the size of business establishment owned.
the size of business establishment owned.
In another study carried out by the Metropolitan University about the Somali
In another study carried out by the Metropolitan University about the Somali
In
anotherEducational
study carried
out by
about the Somali
Children’s
Progress
andthe
LifeMetropolitan
Experiences University
in the UK unemployment
and
Children’s Educational Progress and Life Experiences in the UK unemployment and
Children’spoverty
Educational
Progress
and
Life welfare
Experiences
in According
the UK unemployment
extreme
emerge
as major
social
issues.
to the study, and
the
extreme poverty emerge as major social welfare issues. According to the study, the
extreme
poverty
emerge as major
welfare
issues.
According toisthe
study,
the
rate of male
unemployment
is putsocial
as high
as 70%.
Overcrowding
also
another
rate of male unemployment is put as high as 70%. Overcrowding is also another
rate of male unemployment is put as high as 70%. Overcrowding is also another
1
Sare, J, Adrift in the UK, The Guardian, 5 June 2008
1
Sare, J, Adrift in the UK, The Guardian, 5 June 2008
1
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jun/05/immigration.immigrationpolicy
Sare, J, Adrift in the UK, The Guardian, 5 June 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jun/05/immigration.immigrationpolicy
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jun/05/immigration.immigrationpolicy
3
3
3
What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?
What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?
What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?
major concern potentially effecting children’s school progress as it can be quite
major concern potentially effecting children’s school progress as it can be quite
major
effecting
children’s
school progress as it can be quite
difficultconcern
to study potentially
in a severely
overcrowded
house.
difficult to study in a severely overcrowded house.
difficult to study in a severely overcrowded house.
Whenever addressing the needs of Somali communities in England, it is not possible
Whenever addressing the needs of Somali communities in England, it is not possible
Whenever
addressing
the needs
of Somali
communities
England,
it is have
not possible
to ignore the
wider issues
of the
devastation
many ofin them
would
fled in
to ignore the wider issues of the devastation many of them would have fled in
to
ignore Itthe
issues
the devastation
many
of them
would
fled to
in
Somalia.
is wider
through
their ofexperiences
in their
home
country
that have
we need
Somalia. It is through their experiences in their home country that we need to
Somalia.
It is
their
experiences
in theirpsychological,
home countryexist
that that
we need
to
understand
thethrough
barriers,
practical
and indeed
prevent
understand the barriers, practical and indeed psychological, exist that prevent
understand
thefrom
barriers,
practical
indeed psychological, exist that prevent
Somali women
becoming
active and
citizens.
Somali women from becoming active citizens.
Somali women from becoming active citizens.
The reasons for the lack of culture and social participation of Somalis in 21st
The reasons for the lack of culture and social participation of Somalis in 21st
The
reasons
for is,
theatlack
of in
culture
and social participation
of Somalis
in 21st
century
Britain
least
part, subliminal.
When any group
emigrates
in
century Britain is, at least in part, subliminal. When any group emigrates in
century Britain
at to
least
in part,images
subliminal.
any group
emigrates
adversity,
it holdsis,on
cheering
of theWhen
old country.
However,
suchinis
adversity, it holds on to cheering images of the old country. However, such is
adversity,
it holds physical
on to cheering
images devastation
of the old country.
However,
such is
the extreme
and structural
of Somalia
that the
the extreme physical and structural devastation of Somalia that the
the extreme
physicalare
and
devastation
of Somalia
that exists.
the
memories
and longing
forstructural
a place which,
effectively,
no longer
memories and longing are for a place which, effectively, no longer exists.
memories
and longing
are forsense
a place
effectively, no
exists.
This
underlying
psychological
ofwhich,
loss, compounded
bylonger
the traumatic
This underlying psychological sense of loss, compounded by the traumatic
This
underlyingofpsychological
senseinofa loss,
compounded
by from
the traumatic
experiences
war, has resulted
collective
withdrawal
active
experiences of war, has resulted in a collective withdrawal from active
2
experiences of war, has resulted
in a collective
withdrawal from active
.
society
society22.
society .
2
2
2
ibid
ibid
ibid
4
4
4
Amal Mohamed
Amal Mohamed
Amal Mohamed
(iii)
Methodology
(iii)
Methodology
(iii)
Methodology
The research is based
on the analysis of questionnaires distributed to Somali
The research is based on the analysis of questionnaires distributed to Somali
The
research
based on
analysis
of employed
questionnaires
distributed
to Somali
women,
phone is
interviews
withthe
charity
workers
at community
organisations
women, phone interviews with charity workers employed at community organisations
women,
interviews
with charity
employed
at community
organisations
based inphone
Camden
and a focus
group workers
with a small
number
of Somali women.
In the
based in Camden and a focus group with a small number of Somali women. In the
based
in Camdenrespondents
and a focus group
a small
of Somali
women. Intheir
the
questionnaires,
were with
asked
to number
tick boxes
describing
questionnaires, respondents were asked to tick boxes describing their
questionnaires,
respondents
were askedwere
to distributed
tick boxes
describing
circumstances/ opinions.
The questionnaires
to women
living intheir
the
circumstances/ opinions. The questionnaires were distributed to women living in the
circumstances/
opinions.
The questionnaires
were distributed
to is
women
living
in the
borough of Camden.
I decided
to use questionnaires
as this
an easy
way
for
borough of Camden. I decided to use questionnaires as this is an easy way for
borough
Camden. what
I decided
to of
use
questionnaires
this isare.
an Ieasy
way for
people to of
understand
is asked
them
and what theas
options
was pleased
people to understand what is asked of them and what the options are. I was pleased
people
understand
what is asked
them andtool
what
the options
are.then
I was
with thetouse
of the questionnaire
as of
a research
because
it would
bepleased
easy to
with the use of the questionnaire as a research tool because it would then be easy to
with
the use
the questionnaire
as a research
tool because
it would then Ibe
easy
to
replicate
the of
study
to obtain feedback
from a larger
pool of respondents.
hope
that
replicate the study to obtain feedback from a larger pool of respondents. I hope that
replicate
the study
to obtain
feedback
from afrom
larger
pool researchers,
of respondents.
hope that
in the future,
with more
money
and support
fellow
thisI study
can
in the future, with more money and support from fellow researchers, this study can
in
future, with
more money
and support from
fellow
this study
can
be the
expanded
to provide
more comprehensive
results
andresearchers,
possibly identify
a system
be expanded to provide more comprehensive results and possibly identify a system
be
expanded
to provide
more
comprehensive
results
and possibly
a system
to support
Somali
women
to overcome
barriers
to employment
onidentify
a national
level
to support Somali women to overcome barriers to employment on a national level
to
support
women
overcome
barriers to employment on a national level
rather
than Somali
locally within
thetoborough
of Camden.
rather than locally within the borough of Camden.
rather than locally within the borough of Camden.
Another important objective of my study was to identify the support already available
Another important objective of my study was to identify the support already available
Another
important
of my
study was
identify the
already
available
to Somali
women objective
in Camden
through
localtocharities
andsupport
statutory
organisations.
to Somali women in Camden through local charities and statutory organisations.
to
Somali
women inwere
Camden
through
charities
and whether
statutory they
organisations.
Local
organisations
contacted
via local
phone
and asked
work with
Local organisations were contacted via phone and asked whether they work with
Local
contacted
via phone
and asked
whether
work with
Somaliorganisations
women, theywere
provide
any specific
employment
support,
their they
perceptions
of
Somali women, they provide any specific employment support, their perceptions of
Somali
women,
they provide they
any specific
employment
of
the barriers
to employment
face and
they most support,
effective their
way perceptions
to help them
the barriers to employment they face and they most effective way to help them
the barriers
to barriers.
employment
they
face and
they most
effective
way
to help
overcome
such
I found
running
telephone
interviews
rather
difficult
as itthem
was
overcome such barriers. I found running telephone interviews rather difficult as it was
overcome
such
barriers.
I found
running
telephone
was
very difficult
to get
through
to the
right person
andinterviews
often theyrather
woulddifficult
declineastoit take
very difficult to get through to the right person and often they would decline to take
very
difficult
to get my
through
to the right person and often they would decline to take
the time
to answer
questions.
the time to answer my questions.
the time to answer my questions.
Finally I also used a focus group as a research method to identify respondents’
Finally I also used a focus group as a research method to identify respondents’
Finally
I alsoand
used
a focus
as a not
research
method
to identify
respondents’I
perceptions
opinions
as group
this would
be possible
through
a questionnaire.
perceptions and opinions as this would not be possible through a questionnaire. I
perceptions
and opinions
as this
would
be possible
through
a questionnaire.
think the questionnaire
would
have
beennot
more
successful
if fewer
questions wereI
think the questionnaire would have been more successful if fewer questions were
think
wouldallowed
have been
more
successful
askedthe
andquestionnaire
respondents were
to speak
more
freely. if fewer questions were
asked and respondents were allowed to speak more freely.
asked and respondents were allowed to speak more freely.
5
5
5
What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?
What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?
What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?
(iv)
Ethical
Considerations
(iv)
Ethical
(iv) Ethical Considerations
Considerations
Employment is a very complex issue and the barriers that prevent Somali women
Employment is a very complex issue and the barriers that prevent Somali women
Employment
is a very
complex
and and
the barriers
that prevent
Somali
from finding work
can be
highly issue
sensitive
ones women
do not want
to women
openly
from finding work can be highly sensitive and ones women do not want to openly
from
finding
work
can
be highly
ones women
do not want
to openly
disclose.
It was
very
important
to sensitive
me that alland
respondents
understood
that they
could
disclose. It was very important to me that all respondents understood that they could
disclose.
It wastovery
to me
that alland
respondents
understood
that they
freely choose
takeimportant
part in the
research
leave at any
point should
they could
have
freely choose to take part in the research and leave at any point should they have
freely
to take part
in the research
leave
any point my
should
they have
wishedchoose
to. I recruited
participants
for the and
project
byatpresenting
proposal
and
wished to. I recruited participants for the project by presenting my proposal and
wished
to. that
I recruited
participants
thebeen
project
by presenting
my proposal
explaining
any feedback
wouldfor
have
collected
anonymously
and usedand
to
explaining that any feedback would have been collected anonymously and used to
explaining
that anyoffeedback
would
been
collected for
anonymously
and used to
inform the funding
this paper
and have
possibly
a proposal
funding to overcome
to
inform the funding of this paper and possibly a proposal for funding to overcome to
inform
funding
of this paperfor
and
possibly
a proposal for funding to overcome to
improvethe
access
to employment
Somali
women.
improve access to employment for Somali women.
improve access to employment for Somali women.
6
6
6
Amal Mohamed
Amal Mohamed
Amal Mohamed
Chapter
2:
Research
findings
&
Discussions
Chapter
2:
Research
findings
&
Chapter 2: Research findings & Discussions
Discussions
The findings of my study are based on the analysis of 10 questionnaires completed
The findings of my study are based on the analysis of 10 questionnaires completed
The
findings
of my recruited
study are as
based
on the analysis
10 questionnaires
completed
by Somali
women
respondents
at the of
Shadow
Women’s Centre.
The
by Somali women recruited as respondents at the Shadow Women’s Centre. The
by
Somali
women
recruited
respondents
at the
Shadow
The
finding
of my
research
can beas
regarded
to be very
much
in lineWomen’s
with thoseCentre.
highlighted
finding of my research can be regarded to be very much in line with those highlighted
finding
of my research
can
to be very
much
line withaimed
those to
highlighted
in the studies
presented
in be
theregarded
literary review
above.
Myinresearch
illustrate
in the studies presented in the literary review above. My research aimed to illustrate
in
studies presented
in the
literary
review
above. My
research
to illustrate
thethe
employment
reality for
a small
group
of Somali
women
livingaimed
in Camden
and,
the employment reality for a small group of Somali women living in Camden and,
the
employment
realityperceived
for a small
grouptooffinding
Somaliawomen
living inthis
Camden
crucially
identify their
barriers
job. I believe
is the and,
best
crucially identify their perceived barriers to finding a job. I believe this is the best
crucially
perceived
barriers
to to
finding
a job.
I believe
this is
the best
approachidentify
to thentheir
identify
a support
system
increase
Somali
women’s
confidence
approach to then identify a support system to increase Somali women’s confidence
approach
then overcome
identify a support
systemstopping
to increase
Somali
confidence
and help tothem
the barriers
them
fromwomen’s
obtaining
suitable
and help them overcome the barriers stopping them from obtaining suitable
and
help them overcome the barriers stopping them from obtaining suitable
employment.
employment.
employment.
The questionnaire confirmed that unemployment is high amongst Somali women,
The questionnaire confirmed that unemployment is high amongst Somali women,
The 7questionnaire
confirmed
unemployment
is high
Somali
women,
with
out of 10 being
currentlythat
unemployed
(with five
beingamongst
unemployed
for the
past
with 7 out of 10 being currently unemployed (with five being unemployed for the past
with
out of and
10 being
currently
unemployed
(with
five
being7unemployed
theagree
past
3 to 57 years
four being
unemployed
for the
past
year).
respondentsfor
also
3 to 5 years and four being unemployed for the past year). 7 respondents also agree
3
to 5unemployment
years and four is
being
for thewomen
past year).
respondents
also agree
that
an unemployed
issue for Somali
with 7many
commenting
that
that unemployment is an issue for Somali women with many commenting that
that
unemployment
an issue
for Somali and
women
with manythere
commenting
“Somali
women don’tis have
any experience
confidence”,
is a “lackthat
of
“Somali women don’t have any experience and confidence”, there is a “lack of
“Somali
women improving
don’t have
experience
and confidence”,
there The
is aresults
“lack of
interest towards
lifeany
conditions,
disrespect
and loss of trust”.
of
interest towards improving life conditions, disrespect and loss of trust”. The results of
interest
towards improving
life conditions,
andas
loss
of trust”.toThe
results of
the
questionnaire
clearly identify
lack of disrespect
qualifications
a barrier
employment
the questionnaire clearly identify lack of qualifications as a barrier to employment
the
clearly
identify
lack of qualifications
a barrier
employment
with questionnaire
10 respondents
out of
10 selecting
this as one ofasthe
reasonstowhy
they are
with 10 respondents out of 10 selecting this as one of the reasons why they are
with
10 respondents
of 10 selecting
thisoraslack
one of,
of the
reasons major
why they
are
unemployed.
For 7 out
respondents
English,
is another
barrier
unemployed. For 7 respondents English, or lack of, is another major barrier
unemployed.
Forfrom
7 accessing
respondents
English, or
of, is another
barrier
preventing them
employment.
Forlack
6 respondents
havingmajor
children
and
preventing them from accessing employment. For 6 respondents having children and
preventing
them
from accessing
employment.
6 respondents
no access to
childcare
was stopping
them fromFor
looking
for a job. having children and
no access to childcare was stopping them from looking for a job.
no access to childcare was stopping them from looking for a job.
I also ran a focus group to gain a better understanding of the individual experience of
I also ran a focus group to gain a better understanding of the individual experience of
ISomali
also ran
a focus
to gain
bettergroup
understanding
the individual
of
women
in group
Camden.
Theafocus
involved 6ofSomali
women experience
known to me
Somali women in Camden. The focus group involved 6 Somali women known to me
Somali
The Women’s
focus group
involved 6 Somali women known to me
throughwomen
my workinatCamden.
the Shadow
Centre.
through my work at the Shadow Women’s Centre.
through my work at the Shadow Women’s Centre.
The women at the focus group all agreed that lack of skills and limited English are
The women at the focus group all agreed that lack of skills and limited English are
The
the focus
group all
agreed
lack ofexclusion.
skills andSome
limited
are
majorwomen
barriersatcausing
profound
social
and that
economic
of English
the women
major barriers causing profound social and economic exclusion. Some of the women
major barriers causing profound social and economic exclusion. Some of the women
7
7
7
What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?
What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?
What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?
commented that they do access the Job centre to receive support. However their
commented that they do access the Job centre to receive support. However their
commented
do access
Job centre
to receive
support.
However
feedback onthat
thethey
quality
of the the
support
available
from the
Jobcentre
was their
not
feedback on the quality of the support available from the Jobcentre was not
feedback
oncommenting
the quality that
of all
thethey
support
available
Jobcentre
encouraging
do is “we
just gofrom
there the
every
week”. was not
encouraging commenting that all they do is “we just go there every week”.
encouraging commenting that all they do is “we just go there every week”.
A brainstorming exercise on perceived barriers to employment suggested that the
A brainstorming exercise on perceived barriers to employment suggested that the
A
brainstorming
exercise
on perceived
to women
employment
suggested
thatlongthe
following
are causing
a large
proportion barriers
of Somali
in Camden
to face
following are causing a large proportion of Somali women in Camden to face longfollowing
are causing a large proportion of Somali women in Camden to face longterm unemployment:
term unemployment:
term unemployment:
Language problem and low literacy levels, no skills or training, no experience of
Language problem and low literacy levels, no skills or training, no experience of
Language
and lowinliteracy
levels,
no skills
or training,
no experience
of
writing CVs,problem
lack of support
accessing
the labour
market,
volunteering
and/or work
writing CVs, lack of support in accessing the labour market, volunteering and/or work
writing
CVs,no
lack
of support
in accessing
the labour market,
volunteering
and/or work
placement,
support
network,
poor understanding
of the system
and employment
placement, no support network, poor understanding of the system and employment
placement,
noeducation,
support network,
poor understanding
of the system and employment
process, poor
family obligations,
low self-esteem.
process, poor education, family obligations, low self-esteem.
process, poor education, family obligations, low self-esteem.
In the next stage of my research I then focused on identifying what support is
In the next stage of my research I then focused on identifying what support is
In the next
stage offor
mySomali
research
I then
focused
on employment.
identifying what
support an
is
available
in Camden
women
wishing
to find
I completed
available in Camden for Somali women wishing to find employment. I completed an
available
in Camden
for Somali
women wishing
to find employment.
I completed
online research
to identify
local community
organisations
and charities.
I was able an
to
online research to identify local community organisations and charities. I was able to
online
to identifybut
local
community
organisations
and charities.
I was able 12
to
identifyresearch
25 organisations
only
13 answered
when I called.
For the remaining
identify 25 organisations but only 13 answered when I called. For the remaining 12
identify
25 organisations
13 answered
I called.
For was
the remaining
organisations,
I found thatbut
theonly
numbers
were notwhen
working
or there
no answer.12I
organisations, I found that the numbers were not working or there was no answer. I
organisations,
I found
that
the numbersmay
were
not closed,
workingpossibly
or thereas
was
no answer.
fear this may mean
that
organisations
have
a result
of cutsI
fear this may mean that organisations may have closed, possibly as a result of cuts
fear
this may
mean that
organisations
may haveofclosed,
possibly as
result
of cuts
to funding,
depriving
very
vulnerable members
the community
of avery
important
to funding, depriving very vulnerable members of the community of very important
to
funding,
depriving very vulnerable members of the community of very important
support
network.
support network.
support network.
Among the 13 organisations contacted only 3 target Somali people exclusively,
Among the 13 organisations contacted only 3 target Somali people exclusively,
Among
organisations
contacted
onlyalso
3 target
Somali
peoplepeople.
exclusively,
whereasthean13additional
7 run
projects
involving
Somali
The
whereas an additional 7 run projects also involving Somali people. The
whereas
an staff
additional
run projects
also isinvolving
Somaliforpeople.
The
organisations’
I talked 7to confirmed
that there
a large demand
the services
organisations’ staff I talked to confirmed that there is a large demand for the services
organisations’
I talked
to confirmed
is a largewith
demand
for the services
they provide tostaff
support
Somali
women that
intothere
employment
the Greater
London
they provide to support Somali women into employment with the Greater London
they
provide
to support
Somali
women(GLSCYA)
into employment
with Somali
the Greater
London
Somali
Community
Youth
Centre
and the
Community
Somali Community Youth Centre (GLSCYA) and the Somali Community
Somali
Community
Youth they
Centre
the Somali
Community
Development
Trust reporting
work (GLSCYA)
with 250 andand
350 clients
respectively.
It was
Development Trust reporting they work with 250 and 350 clients respectively. It was
Development
reporting
they work
with 250takes
and 350
clients
respectively.
It was
interesting to Trust
find out
how each
organisation
a very
different
approach
to
interesting to find out how each organisation takes a very different approach to
interesting
to clients
find outinto
howemployment.
each organisation
takes aLondon
very different
to
support
their
The Greater
Somali approach
Community
support their clients into employment. The Greater London Somali Community
support
their clients
into employment.
The Greater
Youth Centre
(GLSCYA)
provides volunteering
and London
training Somali
support Community
to Somali
Youth Centre (GLSCYA) provides volunteering and training support to Somali
Youth
Centrein (GLSCYA)
provides
volunteering
and
training
support
to Somali
communities
addition to career
advice
and support
with
tasks such
as writing
their
communities in addition to career advice and support with tasks such as writing their
communities in addition to career advice and support with tasks such as writing their
8
8
8
Amal Mohamed
Amal Mohamed
Amal Mohamed
CVs. Among the organisations working exclusively with Somali communities, The
CVs. Among the organisations working exclusively with Somali communities, The
CVs.
the organisations
exclusively
Somali
communities,
The
SomaliAmong
Community
Developmentworking
Trust supports
their with
clients
by helping
them access
Somali Community Development Trust supports their clients by helping them access
Somali
Community
Development
supports
their clients
helpingand
them
access
volunteer
opportunities
and ESOLTrust
classes,
providing
welfarebyadvice
advice
on
volunteer opportunities and ESOL classes, providing welfare advice and advice on
volunteer
opportunities
and ESOL
classes,atproviding
welfare
advice and
advice on
interviewing
skills. However
the workers
the Somali
Community
Development
interviewing skills. However the workers at the Somali Community Development
interviewing
However
thesoworkers
at the Somali
Community
Trust are notskills.
Somali
speakers
I am concerned
that their
servicesDevelopment
may not be
Trust are not Somali speakers so I am concerned that their services may not be
Trust
not Somali
speakers
so the
I am
concerned
that who
their still
services
may
nottheir
be
easily are
accessible
to a large
part of
Somali
community
struggle
with
easily accessible to a large part of the Somali community who still struggle with their
easily
accessible
part of on
the feedback
Somali community
stillfocus
struggle
withwhen
their
English.
This feartoisa large
also based
collected who
at the
group
English. This fear is also based on feedback collected at the focus group when
English.
This fear is also
on feedback
collected
at the focus
group
when
women commented
that based
more support
should
be available
through
culturally
women commented that more support should be available through culturally
women commented
be available
through
sensitive
environment.that
Themore
focussupport
group’s should
participants
acknowledged
thatculturally
Somali
sensitive environment. The focus group’s participants acknowledged that Somali
sensitive
environment.
The
group’s
participants
acknowledged
women often
arrive in the
UKfocus
with low
education
and poor
or no literacy that
skills.Somali
Such
women often arrive in the UK with low education and poor or no literacy skills. Such
women
arrive
in the to
UKovercome
with low education
or no
literacy
skills.having
Such
barriers often
are too
difficult
especiallyand
aspoor
many
women
arrive
barriers are too difficult to overcome especially as many women arrive having
barriers
are too
difficult
overcome
especially
as many women
arrive groups’
having
experienced
trauma
andtoremain
isolated
and vulnerable.
The focus
experienced trauma and remain isolated and vulnerable. The focus groups’
experienced
trauma
isolatedobvious
and vulnerable.
focus
groups’
participants agree
thatand
it isremain
then almost
that many The
women
would
then
participants agree that it is then almost obvious that many women would then
participants
agreeatthat
it is
then
almost
obvious constraints
that many or
women
would then
choose to remain
home,
even
in spite
of financial
when women
may
choose to remain at home, even in spite of financial constraints or when women may
choose
remain
at home, even in spite of financial constraints or when women may
becometo
single
parents.
become single parents.
become single parents.
9
9
9
What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?
What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?
What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?
Bibliography
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Jill Rutter, London Metropolitan University (2004) - Somali children’s educational and
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life
experiences.
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Harris, H. (2004) The Somali Community in the UK: What we know and how we
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H. (2004) The Somali Community in the UK: What we know and how we
know it http://www.icar.org.uk/?lid=4855
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Organisations
Forum (COF), Somali organisations needs assessments
2004- Iskaashi
Project
2004- Iskaashi Project
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E. (1991) The
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unpublished
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10
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©©
Africa
©
Africa
Africa
Educational
Educational
Educational
Trust
Trust
Trust
and
and
and
Evelyn
Evelyn
Evelyn
Oldfield
Oldfield
Oldfield
Unit,
Unit,
Unit,
2012
2012
2012
©©
Africa
©©
Africa
Africa
Africa
Educational
Educational
Educational
Educational
Trust
Trust
Trust
Trust
and
and
and
and
Evelyn
Evelyn
Evelyn
Evelyn
Oldfield
Oldfield
Oldfield
Oldfield
Unit,
Unit,
Unit,
2012
2012
2012
2012