25/07/2026
The EMWU – Empower Migrant Ukrainian Women project presents its Handbook, a practical educational resource developed to support Ukrainian migrant women in accessing vocational education, recognising their competences and building sustainable pathways towards employment, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.
The Handbook responds directly to the needs identified through the EMWU survey conducted in Italy. The findings show that Ukrainian migrant women possess substantial educational and professional experience, particularly in healthcare, caregiving, personal services, retail and hospitality. Nevertheless, this experience is not always recognised or transferred effectively into the Italian education and labour-market systems.
Language difficulties were identified by all survey participants as a barrier to vocational education and training. Other significant challenges included insufficient information, limited support services, difficulties reconciling training with employment and family responsibilities, non-recognition of qualifications and experiences of discrimination. Particularly relevant is the finding that 86.7% of respondents had never requested formal recognition of their previously acquired competences.
The EMWU Handbook translates this evidence into practical guidance for migrant women, mentors, VET educators, career counsellors and organisations working in the field of inclusion. It promotes an approach based on existing capabilities rather than perceived deficits, recognising migrant women as holders of knowledge, professional experience, cultural resources and transferable competences.
The resource addresses essential areas such as competence identification, individual learning planning, vocational orientation, host-country language development, digital literacy, soft skills, entrepreneurship and access to recognition procedures. It also highlights the importance of psychological and motivational support, information about rights and regulations, professional networking and cooperation with local services.
Mentoring constitutes a central element of the proposed methodology. Through structured individual and group activities, mentors can help participants identify objectives, document previous experience, explore training opportunities and develop realistic action plans. A culturally responsive and trauma-aware approach contributes to creating relationships based on trust, dignity, informed choice and respect for personal boundaries.
The Handbook also supports educators in designing accessible learning environments. Plain language, flexible schedules, blended learning, practical exercises and personalised guidance can reduce barriers for women with limited linguistic competence, care responsibilities, low income, disabilities or restricted digital access. Referral pathways to qualified employment, legal, social and psychological services are equally important.
Entrepreneurship is explored as one possible route to economic participation, especially in healthcare, personal services, hospitality and tourism—the sectors most frequently identified by survey respondents. The Handbook encourages connections with migrant women entrepreneurs, local business networks and specialised advisory services, while recognising that self-employment should remain a voluntary and properly supported choice.
By transforming research findings into adaptable tools and methodologies, the EMWU Handbook strengthens the capacity of educators and organisations to provide coordinated, inclusive and learner-centred support. Its ultimate purpose is to help migrant women convert previous experience into visible competences, competences into learning opportunities, and learning opportunities into greater autonomy and participation in their host communities.
