Despite often high qualifications, the path into the German labour market is difficult and lengthy for many immigrant women, especially if they are looking for employment that is adequate for their qualifications. This is mostly due to the family situation of women, the lack of networks and the occupational fields in which they worked in their countries of origin.

As part of the Labora workshop, we would like to discuss the topic from the perspective of immigrant women and focus on possible solutions. Together with members of the Community consulting teams the Department of Immigration and Integration We deal with opportunities for language acquisition beyond classical language courses, the importance of internships and volunteering as an entry-level opportunity, and the value of mentoring programs as an institutionalized bridge into the labour market.

In addition to the impulses of the community consultants, the workshop offers space for the exchange of knowledge and experience between the participants.

To the speaker

Maria Consuelo González is a Colombian lawyer who has lived with her family in Dormagen (North Rhine-Westphalia) for several years. She works as a teacher in projects for migrant women and as a volunteer multiplier. Her work contributes to promoting the integration of migrants in Germany. Since 2023, she has been part of the Community Consulting Team of the Immigration and Integration Unit.

To the Department of Immigration and Integration

The Department of Immigration and Integration is working in the 2023-2025 funding round on the topics of immigration and labour market and company integration. The aim is to expand the expertise and networking of projects and stakeholders within and outside the Funding programme IQ – Integration through qualification.

To the Community Consulting Team

the Community Consulting Team Department of Immigration and Integration is made up of 13 people with their own migration experience, who already have experience in the German labour market. They come from different countries of origin, live in different regions of Germany and have a wide range of qualifications and competences. Through the participatory involvement of people with their own migration experience, new perspectives are introduced into the thematic focal points of the department, examples of good practice are identified and options for action relevant to target groups are de- or further developed. The Community Consulting Team regularly comes together in virtual workshops. The concept is based on the citizen science approach. The cooperation takes place on a voluntary basis and is remunerated with an expense allowance.