Lights and shadows of an empowerment process of migrant women in Italy

Abstract

This essay analyzes the role of migrant women in Rome with regard to public and private spheres aiming to stress many aspects of the integration process. With a focus on gender migrations, it has taken into account how women have been ignored by theories on this phenomenon. The analysis points out how the assimilation has not been completely successful in different fields such as work, citizenship, race and many more. Interviews with ten women from different countries have provided an opportunity to reconsider how they perceive their experiences: there are many contradictions in the so-called integration process that are exacerbated by their role as mothers. In spite of this, it is worth noting how autonomy and empowerment drive these new citizens to integrate into the receiving country.