Picturing the ambiguity of homestay: a photovoice exploration of Ukrainian refugee women’s experiences with their Canadian hosts in Toronto

This study explores the experiences of Ukrainian refugee women hosted by Canadian families in the Greater Toronto Area, focusing on the dynamics of this unique living arrangement amidst Toronto’s challenging housing situation. Using Feminist Standpoint Theory and a research-creation approach through Photovoice, eighteen Ukrainian refugee women shared and reflected on their experiences via photo elicitation interviews. The analysis, combining visual and narrative elements, highlights three key themes: Host-Guest Dynamics in Shared Spaces, which sheds light on the complexities of navigating interpersonal relationships within shared living environments; Adaptation through Coexistence, emphasizing the mutual adjustments and cultural exchanges between hosts and guests; and Refining the Path of Refugee Hosting, which reflects on the evolving practices and lessons learned from these hosting arrangements. These findings underscore the importance of centering refugee women’s voices to better understand the social, cultural, and political factors shaping their hosting experiences and contribute to advancing the discourse on refugee hosting practices.