In an era where digital skills are a prerequisite for most jobs, a lack of digital literacy can be a significant barrier to employment. For female refugees in the Netherlands, this digital divide presents a major challenge, limiting their ability to access work opportunities and integrate into the labour market. The DigiSkills2Work project is coordinated by RUNOMI member Giacomo Solano, in close cooperation with other RUNOMI members (Noemi Mena Montes, Ricky van Oers, Pascal Beckers). The project aims to address this pressing issue by investigating the link between digital skills and employment opportunities for female refugees.
The digital skills gap and its impact
Female refugees face a triple disadvantage—being women, migrants, and refugees—placing them at an even greater risk of exclusion from the labour market. While digital tools have revolutionized job searching, employment processes, and various aspects of daily life, these advancements have inadvertently created additional hurdles for those lacking the necessary skills. According to recent data, only 34% of female refugees in the Netherlands are employed, a stark contrast to 80% employment among female natives. One significant factor contributing to this disparity is the lack of digital competencies, which are now fundamental in most professions and spheres of life.
Despite the growing reliance on technology in the workforce, there is a glaring gap in research and policy regarding the digital skill levels of female refugees. While studies have explored language proficiency and education as barriers to employment, few have examined how digital illiteracy exacerbates labour market exclusion. DigiSkills2Work aims to fill this gap by providing crucial insights into the employment-related digital challenges faced by female refugees.
Kicking off the DigiSkills2Work project
DigiSkills2Work, which started in November 2024, embarks on a year-long investigation into the digital barriers hindering female refugees from securing stable employment. The project is funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and co-funded by RUNOMI.
The project employs an innovative approach, combining policy analysis, qualitative interviews, and participatory activities. By directly engaging with female refugees, researchers hope to gain first-hand perspectives on the struggles they face when navigating the digital job market.
A key component of the project involves conducting workshops in collaboration with NGOs and already existing initiatives in major cities in the Netherlands (e.g. Mano Foundation in Rotterdam, Yalla Foundation in Amsterdam and Newcomers program in Nijmegen). These workshops will not only serve as a platform for individual interviews but will also feature hands-on digital training. Female refugees will be given access to online job platforms, where they will attempt to create profiles, apply for jobs, and assess their own digital capabilities. These activities will provide valuable insights into the specific obstacles preventing them from leveraging digital tools effectively.
- See also the related article: Bridging the Digital Divide: A Journey of Inclusion and Resilience
Fostering the policy debate on the topic
“The project also aims to foster political debate on the topic. To achieve this, it will conduct an inventory of existing policies designed to support refugees in acquiring digital skills. By analyzing these policies, the research team—comprising Giacomo Solano, Araa Al Jaramani, Anne Kiewiet, and Nour Hojeij—aims to determine whether current initiatives are adequately tailored to the unique needs of female refugees.”
The project will culminate in a roundtable discussion, bringing together female refugees, policymakers, NGOs, and employer representatives. This co-creation approach will help generate practical recommendations for improving digital inclusion policies and labour market integration strategies.
A step toward inclusive employment
By shedding light on an often-overlooked issue, DigiSkills2Work is set to make a meaningful impact not only on academic discourse but also on policy and practice. The findings will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of digital exclusion and its effects on vulnerable groups. More importantly, the project’s recommendations could shape future policies aimed at closing the digital skills gap and fostering an inclusive labour market.
As the Netherlands continues to lead in digital transformation, it is crucial to ensure that no one is left behind. By equipping female refugees with the necessary digital skills, DigiSkills2Work paves the way for a more equitable and diverse workforce. This project is not just about technology; it is about empowerment, inclusion, and the right to access economic opportunities in an increasingly digital world.
Curious to dive deeper into this important topic? Check out the RUNOMI policy brief below by Noemi Mena Montes, Lia Kleuskens, and Colleen Boland, which examines the role of digitalization in shaping learning opportunities for these communities, highlighting both barriers and potential solutions.