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Description
This project is a study on the perceptions of the economic impact of unequal sharing of unpaid work in the lives of immigrant women and men in Portugal.
Aims to characterize the perceptions on the economic impact of unequal sharing of unpaid work and divorce in the lives of immigrant women and men living in Portugal. In partnership with non-governmental agencies and universities, the research will focus on immigrant women and men from Brazilian, Cape Verde and Eastern Europe living in Portugal.
Will contribute to the construcion of concerted and adaptive responses as well as to a detailed and systematic knowledge concerning the role of immigrant women and men in issues of gender equality in Portugal. This will also promote the improvement of the quality of life of immigrants and their effective integration in the country.
Summary of project results
The Boomerang project is focused on understanding the economic and social impact of the unequal sharing of unpaid work among immigrant women and men in Portugal. It addresses several key challenges related to gender equality, labor conditions, and social inclusion.
A central issue is how the unequal division of domestic and care work affects immigrants’ economic opportunities and overall well-being. The project also examines the persistence of traditional gender roles in work and parenting, particularly in migratory contexts, and how these roles influence the balance between personal, family, and professional life.
Another major challenge is the precarious working conditions that many immigrants face in Portugal. Long and unstable working hours create significant barriers to work-life balance, especially for those with caregiving responsibilities.
To develop effective solutions, the project gathers qualitative and quantitative data on the experiences of immigrant women and men, as well as the perspectives of professionals working with them. This evidence-based approach supports public policy recommendations aimed at improving gender equality and labor conditions.
Finally, the Boomerang project promotes gender equality and social inclusion by developing informative materials, organizing scientific events, and creating a manual of good practices. These initiatives aim to support the integration of immigrants and help them better reconcile their professional and family lives.
The Boomerang Project studied how immigrant women and men in Portugal balance paid work with unpaid domestic and care work. Through focus groups and surveys, the project gathered insights from Brazilian, Cape Verdean, and Ukrainian immigrants to understand how gender, nationality, and socioeconomic status impact daily life and opportunities. The findings highlight the challenges immigrants face in managing work, family, and personal responsibilities.
To support change, the project created practical resources, including a Good Practices Manual on immigrant integration and work-life balance, as well as an E-book, "Migrations, Families, and Inequalities," compiling research on gender and migration. A scientific article titled "We Are Tired" was also published, shedding light on the unequal division of unpaid work among immigrant communities in Portugal.
In addition to research, the project developed policy recommendations to help organizations and policymakers improve gender equality and immigrant inclusion. These focus on increasing investment in gender-focused programs, strengthening partnerships, promoting equal opportunities, and encouraging shared domestic responsibilities. By raising awareness and offering concrete solutions, the Boomerang Project contributes to a fairer and more inclusive society.
The Boomerang Project generated valuable knowledge on gender inequalities in unpaid work among immigrants in Portugal. Through 15 focus groups across five regions, involving 109 participants, the project analyzed how the unequal distribution of domestic and care work affects the ability of immigrant women and men to balance personal, family, and professional life. Additionally, a quantitative survey, translated into Ukrainian, gathered responses from 206 completed questionnaires and 285 partial responses, providing statistical insights into these challenges.
To raise awareness and share findings, the project organized seven scientific events (four international and three national), three open classes, and a final seminar, which reached 1,071 online viewers. It also produced an e-book and a Good Practices Manual, offering practical solutions for promoting gender equality and work-life balance among immigrant communities.
The project had a direct impact on 225 immigrant women and 89 immigrant men, as well as professionals working with these populations. By increasing awareness of gender inequalities and the burden of unpaid work, Boomerang contributed to better policies and support mechanisms that promote greater inclusion, equality, and shared responsibility in family life.
Summary of bilateral results
During the Boomerang Project, collaboration with the donor state partner, Odal Naeringshage Utvikling AS, faced some challenges, particularly in obtaining responses and active participation in public presentation events and the final seminar. Despite these difficulties, the partnership provided insights into gender equality and labor market integration from a Norwegian perspective.Odal Naeringshage is a private, non-governmental organization based in Norway, focused on supporting businesses and promoting the inclusion of women and young people in the job market. The organization has experience in female entrepreneurship and gender-based violence prevention, working on national projects supported by various Norwegian ministries.While the engagement with Odal Naeringshage was limited, the Boomerang Project benefited from the exchange of knowledge and perspectives on gender equality, employment, and social inclusion, reinforcing the importance of international cooperation in addressing these issues.