In Europe today, a talent shortage is impacting nearly every sector, from healthcare to technology, to green industries. Yet, there’s a vast, untapped pool of skilled individuals who could fill these gaps. Unfortunately, these individuals often face systemic barriers that prevent them from entering the workforce or advancing in their careers. One of the most significant, yet overlooked, groups is highly skilled migrant women, particularly those from displaced communities such as Ukraine.
Research shows that migrant women are disproportionately affected by unemployment and underemployment. According to the OECD, despite being highly educated, migrant women face far higher rates of unemployment compared to their male counterparts, even in countries with significant labour shortages. In fact, a staggering 62% of Ukrainian women in the EU are not employed, and many of those who are, work in jobs far below their skill level. This is not only a loss for the women themselves, but for Europe’s economy as a whole, as these women possess valuable skills that could contribute significantly to the labour market.
The issue is multifaceted. First, migrant women’s qualifications are often unrecognised, and the process of having these qualifications validated can be lengthy, complex, and costly. Second, there is a prevalent lack of employer awareness of the vast talent pool that migrant women represent. Many employers are either unaware of the skills these women possess or are hesitant to hire them due to unconscious bias, language barriers, and cultural misconceptions.
The Economic Cost of Ignoring Talent
Ignoring this untapped talent is not only socially unjust but economically harmful. Europe’s labour market is facing a shortage of skilled workers, with 80% of employers reporting difficulties in filling vacancies. As highlighted in the European Commission’s Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion (2021-2027), addressing the employment barriers faced by migrant women could be key to filling these gaps. By enabling migrant women to realise their full potential, we are not only improving their economic well-being but also contributing to the competitiveness and resilience of Europe’s economy.
Studies have shown that increasing the participation of women in the workforce, particularly those from migrant backgrounds, leads to significant economic benefits. A report from McKinsey Global Institute found that advancing gender equality and integrating women into the labour market could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025. When combined with strategies that focus on migrant women, these benefits could be even greater.
Why PROMOTE is the Solution
This is where the PROMOTE project comes in. By addressing the barriers migrant women face, such as the lack of recognition for their skills, limited access to job opportunities, and unconscious bias in hiring, PROMOTE aims to harness this untapped talent for Europe’s economic and social benefit. Through targeted interventions—such as tailored training, mentorship, and job placements—PROMOTE will ensure that highly skilled migrant women are not only seen but actively integrated into the workforce.
The project also focuses on engaging employers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools they need to recognise the value of migrant women in their teams. By addressing these barriers at both the individual and systemic levels, PROMOTE aims to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce, where talent is the only thing that matters, not one’s background or gender.
A Path Towards Equality and Economic Growth
In addition to bridging talent gaps, PROMOTE is about fostering equality. The gender disparity in the workforce is evident, and migrant women face an even more significant uphill battle. But when we empower these women, we don’t just help them succeed—we contribute to a stronger, more resilient, and fairer Europe. The PROMOTE project’s focus on gender equality, skills recognition, and workforce inclusion is a critical step toward ensuring that no one is left behind in Europe’s economic recovery and growth.
By offering a comprehensive approach to support migrant women and employers, PROMOTE is tackling two of Europe’s most pressing challenges: the underrepresentation of women in the workforce and the talent shortage that is hindering economic growth. We can no longer afford to overlook this potential.
Join us as we embark on this journey to unlock the full potential of highly skilled migrant women. Together, we can bridge the skills gap, create inclusive opportunities, and ensure that Europe’s workforce is diverse, dynamic, and ready to tackle the challenges of the future.
Written by Kathryn O’Brien, EUEI