An intersectional perspective on the entrepreneurial intention of female Ukrainian migrants and refugees

Objective: The objective of the article is to examine potential variations among migrants from Ukraine concerning their entrepreneurial intention, considering the nature of migration (economic or forced) and their motherhood. Research Design & Methods: In May 2023, a quantitative study surveyed 404 Ukrainian women in Poland. Utilising a research panel enabled longitudinal analysis, which is particularly valuable in migration studies aiming to grasp the entrepreneurial intentions of female Ukrainian migrants and refugees. The study unveiled demographic disparities between the two groups, encompassing migrant and parental status. Findings: Pre-war migrant women exhibit higher entrepreneurial intentions compared to female refugees. Motherhood significantly influences the entrepreneurial intentions of both groups, particularly among women with children under 3. We observed correlations between parental status and entrepreneurial intentions. Migration’s voluntary or involuntary nature significantly impacts these aspirations. Implications & Recommendations: There’s a need for inclusive startup ecosystems for female migrants, requiring targeted programs to address language barriers and cultural adaptation and improve access to education, employment and childcare. Entrepreneurship support needs to be catered to on demand. An intersectional approach is crucial to address their unique circumstances. Contribution & Value Added: The intersectional approach, which examines not only the entrepreneurial intentions among women but also their migration status (voluntary/involuntary) and parental status, is novel.