Women constitute nearly 50% of Austria’s migrant population. However, this group faces significantly higher unemployment rates, particularly among women from the so-called “third-world countries.”

Several factors contribute to this situation, including Austria’s substantial gender pay gap (one of the largest in the EU) or the absence of adequate social benefits for men with children -which often obliges women to stay at home- as well as societal expectations that place the responsibility of caring for older or special needs relatives on women. Consequently, these factors hinder women from achieving independence and financial freedom. The number of older women living in poverty is rapidly increasing, and the current benefits for mothers on paid leave are insufficient to bridge the gap.

Moreover, migrant women from certain countries are more likely to be illiterate and face challenges in learning the German language due to limited time or resources. Consequently, NIWA prioritizes its efforts towards women, aiming to equip them with the necessary tools to feel secure and develop a sense of belonging in their new home country, find a job, be financially independent and be part of a community.