Exploring lived experiences and perceptions of well-being: insights from forced migrant women in Finland

Immigrant women are often perceived as vulnerable and socially isolated, with their viewpoints and experiences often overlooked in academic research. This study prioritizes their perspectives and lived experiences, focusing on the well-being of forced migrant families and children. This research examines both the risk factors threatening the well-being of forced migrant families and children and the coping strategies employed to address these challenges. Drawing from two interlinked qualitative studies, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and ethnographic observations with forced migrant women in Finland. Thematic analysis of the data revealed four themes and ten sub-themes. For risk factors, two main themes emerged: pre-migration stressors and post-migration challenges. Regarding coping strategies, two primary themes were identified: individual solutions and close relationships, and structural adaptation and resource navigation. These findings illuminate the complex interplay of personal resilience, community dynamics, and structural support systems in shaping the well-being of forced migrant families. This research contributes to an understanding of the lived experiences and perceptions of forced migrant women in Finland, emphasizing the importance of incorporating their voices into policy-making and social work practices. It highlights the need for targeted interventions to address their unique challenges and strengths, ultimately promoting more effective support systems for migrant families.