Being a migrant woman during disasters: A phenomenological study to unveil experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Milan, Italy

Abstract

Migrants and women were among the groups most severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic disaster. By adopting an intersectional lens, it can be inferred that migrant women (MW) were particularly vulnerable to its impacts. This study aims to explore the multifaceted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MW living in Milan, Italy, investigating a broad spectrum of experiences. We conducted a phenomenological study using semi-structured interviews from September 2023 to January 2024. Interviews were transcribed and inductively analyzed. We interviewed 19 cisgender MW coming from 10 different countries, with a median age of 43 years. At the pandemic's onset, 12 were undocumented migrants, four were documented, while three had obtained Italian citizenship. Most held informal job positions, primarily as domestic workers, and were impacted by the economic crisis triggered by the pandemic. Both before and during the pandemic, non-governmental organizations were the preferred entry point to the healthcare systems. Their psychological well-being was compromised by distance from family members and the extensive COVID-19 media coverage. Despite skepticism, most MW adhered to the vaccination campaign due to its de-facto mandatory nature. Social isolation was not considered a major impact. Overall, MW did not perceive themselves as a particularly vulnerable group. Systemic interventions to address inequalities faced by MW should be incorporated throughout the entire disaster risk management cycle and an intersectional approach should be integrated into all stages of public policy development. As distrust emerged as a particularly significant issue building trust before disasters is crucial for an effective response.