The Lived Experiences of Skilled Filipino Women Immigrants in Denmark

Abstract

This qualitative, phenomenological study intended to understand and explore the exact lived experiences of Filipino women immigrants in Denmark with the general aim of exploring their challenges, managing strategies, and the social and personal transformations involved in their mitigation in Denmark. The study administered key informant interviews with ten Filipino migrant women in Denmark, who shared about their personal experiences and challenges in migrating to Denmark, coping mechanisms employed in migrating, as well as the lessons and insights they gained through their migration to Denmark. Its data showed that the research participants had a lot of challenges which included language barriers, emotional struggles, and cultural disconnections due to a transition to their new environment. Despite these struggles, the participants still exhibited adaptive coping mechanisms such as creating social network supports, launching work and personal routines, as well as drawing strengths through spirituality, self-discipline, and family ambitions. Study revealed lessons about the importance of preparations before their migration, thus, concluded their migration is not about physical relocation but a more informativeness physical and emotional struggle. The effects extended to educators, policymakers, and provisional organizations by highlighting the need for more programs that are gender-sensitive in nature, culturally- sensitive systems for support, and initiatives to empower the respondents which are the migrant women. Therefore, this research study contributes to the broader discourse on gendered migration and offers insights that may inform both policy and practice.