Navigating Intersecting Forms of Oppression in the Search for Employment

Abstract

Opportunities for refugees to engage in occupations within host countries can be constrained by factors such as governmental policies or language barriers (Smith). Female refugees with physical disabilities may experience compounding barriers to participation related to their identity markers. The main aim of this study is to understand the experiences of female refugees with physical disabilities in seeking, preparing for, and obtaining employment. This study used an instrumental case study using semistructured interviews with five primary participants and four caregivers. Thematic analysis (Clarke & Braun) identified five key barriers to securing employment: (a) stigma and discrimination, (b) restrictive traditional labor market, (c) inaccessible and inadequate housing, (d) lack of cohesion and information across services, and (e) English language predominance. Findings highlight complex challenges experienced by the women who faced intersecting systems of oppression and can enable occupational therapists to address barriers associated with occupational injustice by improving services to better meet their needs.