Migration Narratives of Ukrainian Women in South Tyrol: A Comparison of Pre- and Post-War Experiences

Through qualitative interviews with Ukrainian women who migrated to South Tyrol, Italy before and after the 2022 Russian invasion, this paper explores the experiences, motivations, challenges, and integration strategies of these migrants. Findings highlight the gendered nature of migration, as Ukrainian women often face occupational downgrading, in which they are forced to work in low-skilled sectors due to language barriers, bureaucratic hurdles, and labour market discrimination. Social integration remains a challenge particularly among post-war arrivals. Unlike other Orthodox Christian migrant groups, respondents report weak communal solidarity, although individual acts of support from local organizations and colleagues mitigate isolation. Finally, the invasion and subsequent experiences of migration profoundly shaped identity negotiations, reinforcing their Ukrainian national identity and leading them to disavow Russian culture and language. The paper underscores the need for policy supporting migrant women’s employment, language acquisition, and social inclusion.