Women on the Move: Migration from Africa to Poland and Identity Formation through an Intersectional Lens in the Polish context

Over the past decade, Poland has transformed from a country of net emigration into a country of net immigration (Lesińska et al. 2024). In this time, there has been significant growth and diversification of African Diasporic communities in Poland (Marzęda-Młynarska 2021; Office for Foreigners 2024). Existing studies that spotlight Africans and African Diasporic communities in Poland have, with some exceptions (e.g. Balogun and Pędziwiatr 2023; Balogun 2024; Ohia-Nowak forthcoming), tended to focus on men and on students, and often highlight issues of racism and discrimination. In response to the current research gaps, this pilot study is based on 8 biographical interviews with African women who migrated to Poland within the last decade and who study and/or work in the country. The study focuses on how the research participants’ sense of self and identity has shifted or evolved through their migration journey and over their time living in Poland. The aim of the study is to: (1) test research methods and tools design; (2) gather preliminary insights that can inform the scope and approach of possible future studies.

Duration

2026 - 2026

Source of funding

Centre of Excellence in Social Sciences IDUB UW