Resilient Adaptation or Reclaimed Agency? Ukrainian Women’s Negotiation of Integration in Romania

Abstract This paper adds to the growing body of literature investigating Ukrainian women refugees’ framing of their experience as forced migrants. Using semi-structured interviews with 11 Ukrainian women refugees currently residing in Romania, we explore how these women navigate the complexities of adaptation and integration in Romania. We examine their perception of refugee status, negotiation of belonging to various transnational social spaces and problematization of their lived experiences as women, mothers and main decision-makers of their families. We are equally interested in identifying the factors that empower them to rebuild their lives and foster resilience in the host country. Our analysis shows that resilient adaptation is the result of an accumulation of everyday problem-solving, professional achievement and anchoring in re-invented roles as caregivers and advocates for Ukrainian communities.