Migrant women’s challenges in working in hospitality: intersectionality and experiences of migration from university campuses workers in Dublin

This study focuses on analysing barriers, challenges and experiences of female migrant workers in hospitality, with a qualitative case study of workers of university campuses of Technological University Dublin, in Ireland. Investigating experiences of migrant women from different countries, this study aims in analysing the context of working in catering services, cafes and restaurants in the university environment, exploring challenges of mobility, cultural integration and work for migrant women. Also, it looks to understand how political, economic and cultural barriers impact migrant workers in Ireland, and how these groups' geography and power relationships take place in the hospitality industry in the country.

By investigating migrant women’s trajectories in the hospitality sector in Ireland, we also seek to understand the aspirations and motives that led them to migrate, and their integration process in the country. Consequently, we aim to examine how migrant workers' well-being is affected in this industry and new country, and how equality, diversity and inclusion in universities should also aim to the well-being of contract staff working in the university, as an essential part of its community. Exploring how migrant women working in the hospitality sector feel as belonging and having a voice in this industry and new country, this study seeks to further studies on mobility and challenges of everyday life of female migrant workers in Europe.


Key-words: mobility, work, migrants, intersectionality, hospitality, universities, Ireland