More than 90 immigrant women participated in the two-year-long project, which cost several million kronor. Afterwards, about ten of them had jobs. Despite the flop, it is not seen as a failure and now they are seeking more funding.
The Kvinna project in Botkyrka municipality aimed to help immigrant women who are on benefits to enter the workforce. During the project, 52 out of the 93 participants were said to have found jobs, but by the end, only eleven of them were still employed.
The project was funded with a grant of three million kronor from the labor market and adult education committee. The women received support in language training, enhanced work training, and subsidized employment in the municipality’s activities.
Despite the flop, Magdalena Hesnel, head of the Labor Market Unit, does not see it as a failure and believes that the project has still provided many lessons.
READ ALSO: Immigrant women demand extra help to get jobs
At the same time, she notes that there is no “miracle cure” and does not think that short-term temporary positions are enough, but wants to see more long-term support. She also calls for individual efforts from the municipality, the Employment Service, and Swedish for Immigrants (SFI). Another obstacle pointed out is that the women also need support for their health.
“This work requires time and resources to be sustainable,” says Hesnel to Mitt i.
Mental health issues
The participating women are 45 years and older and have been unemployed for a long time.
“Many live with mental health issues, some have experiences of abuse, or have other injuries. It went too fast for many,” she said.
Preparing for work
Now, Botkyrka municipality is seeking more funding through the European Social Fund to start a new project for the same target group, focusing on health.
“They need help to become ready for work, plain and simple,” says Dag Ahlse (C), chairman of the labor market and adult education committee.
READ ALSO: Millions of kronor to get immigrant women into jobs – BIG FLOP