What Barriers to Employment do What Barriers to Employment do WhatBarriers to Employment do What Barriers to Employment do What Barriers to Employment do What

Barriers to Employment do Barriers Employment do Somali Women in Camden face? Somali Women in Camden face? Somali Women in Camden face? Somali Women in Camden face? Somali Women in Camden face? Somali Women in Camden face? Somali Women Camden
by Amal Mohamed byAmal Mohamed by Amal Mohamed by Amal Mohamed by Amal Mohamed by Amal Mohamed Amal Mohamed

Accredited Community Empowerment Course: Accredited Community Empowerment Course: Accredited Community Empowerment Course: Accredited Community Empowerment Course: Accredited Community EmpowermentCourse: Accredited Community Empowerment Course: Accredited Community Empowerment Course:
Development and Presentation of of ResearchSkills Development and Presentation of Research Skills Development and Presentation Research Skills Developmentand Presentation of ofResearchSkills Development and Presentation of Research Skills Development and Presentation Research Skills Development and Presentation Research Skills

2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012

Amal Mohamed Amal Mohamed Amal Mohamed

Contents Page Contents Page Contents Page

Contents Page ................................................................................................................ 1 Contents Page ................................................................................................................ 1 Contents Page ................................................................................................................ 1 Chapter 1: ....................................................................................................................... 2 Chapter 1: ....................................................................................................................... 2 Chapter 1: ....................................................................................................................... 2 (i) Introduction ........................................................................................................... 2 (i) Introduction ........................................................................................................... 2 (i) Introduction ........................................................................................................... 2 (ii) Literature review .................................................................................................. 3 (ii) Literature review .................................................................................................. 3 (ii) Literature review .................................................................................................. 3 (iii) Methodology ....................................................................................................... 5 (iii) Methodology ....................................................................................................... 5 (iii) Methodology ....................................................................................................... 5 (iv) Ethical considerations ......................................................................................... 6 (iv) Ethical considerations ......................................................................................... 6 (iv) 2: Research findings ......................................................................................... 7 ChapterEthical considerations& Discussions .................................................................. 6 Chapter 2: Research findings & Discussions .................................................................. 7 Chapter 2: Research findings & Discussions .................................................................. 7 Bibliography .................................................................................................................. 10 Bibliography .................................................................................................................. 10 Bibliography .................................................................................................................. 10

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What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face? What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face? What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?

Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Chapter 1:

(i) Introduction (i) Introduction (i) Introduction on the barriers Somali women in Camden face to access the This research focuses

This research focuses on the barriers Somali women in Camden face to access the This research focuses on the barriersthe largest refugeeCamden facein the London labour market. Somali migrants are Somali women in community to access the labour market. Somali migrants are the largest refugee community in the London labour market. Somali migrants are the largest refugee community out to assess Borough of Camden, yet there has been very limited research carriedin the London Borough of Camden, yet there has been very limited research carried out to assess Borough of Camden, yet there has been very limited research carried out to assess the community social, economic and educational needs and attempt to meaningfully the community social, economic and educational needs and attempt to meaningfully the community social, economic and educationalcarried and with the to meaningfully address them. This research project has been needs out attempt support of the address them. This research project has been carried out with the support of the addressEducational Trust and the Evelyn Oldfield Unit. Itouthopedthe support of the African them. This research project has been carried is with that the finding of African Educational Trust and the Evelyn Oldfield Unit. It is hoped that the finding of African Educational Trust the planning of Oldfield project is hopedShadow Womens this research will inform and the Evelyn a new Unit. It at The that the finding of this research will inform the planning of a new project at The Shadow Womens this research will inform where I have of a new projectaat The Shadow Womens Centre, an organisation the planning volunteered as community worker since Centre, an organisation where I have volunteered as a community worker since Centre, an Shadow Womens Centre is volunteered basedcommunity worker since 2009. The organisation where I have a Camden as a organisation for women 2009. The Shadow Womens Centre is a Camden based organisation for women 2009.the Horn of Africa workingCentre is such as health, employment and for women from The Shadow Womens in areas a Camden based organisation education. from the Horn of Africa working in areas such as health, employment and education. from the Horn of organisation has not managed health, employment this year. Unfortunately theAfrica working in areas such asto secure any fundingand education. Unfortunately the organisation has not managed to secure any funding this year. Unfortunately the organisation has not managed to secure any funding this year. The main objective of the research is to identify the barriers to employment faced by The main objective of the research is to identify the barriers to employment faced by The main objective of the research is to identify the barriers to Iemployment faced by Somali migrants, eligible for work and resident in Camden. will then attempt to Somali migrants, eligible for work and resident in Camden. I will then attempt to Somali migrants, eligiblefollowing questions: provide an answer to the for work and resident in Camden. I will then attempt to provide an answer to the following questions: provide an answer to the following questions: What are the barriers faced by Somali women to access employment? What are the barriers faced by Somali women to access employment? What are the barriers faced by Somali women to access employment? What support is available to Somali women to access the labour market? What support is available to Somali women to access the labour market? What support is available to Somali women to access the labour market? Are training and employment support currently available to Somali migrants in Are training and employment support currently available to Somali migrants in Are training and employment support currently available this community? Camden sufficient and appropriate to meet the specific needs ofto Somali migrants. in Camden sufficient and appropriate to meet the specific needs of this community? . Camden sufficient and appropriate to meet the specific needs of this community? .

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Amal Mohamed Amal Mohamed Amal Mohamed

a very alarming analysis of the issues faced by In 2008, Jeremy Sare published a very alarming analysis of the issues faced by In 2008, Jeremy Sare publishedon veryGuardian reporting of the issues faced by Somali communities in England a the alarming analysis on high unemployment Somali communities in England on the Guardian reporting on high unemployment Somali communities in England on the Guardian reporting groups 1. unemployment and the lowest educational attainment among ethnic minority on high and the lowest educational attainment among ethnic minority groups 1. 1 and the population has remained largely invisible and their needs have been Somali lowest educational attainment among ethnic minority groups . Somali population has remained largely invisible and their needs have been Somali populationand national policy-makers. I hope this report will be an important neglected by local has remained largely invisible and their needs have been neglected by local and national policy-makers. I hope this report will be an important neglected by because itnational policy-makers. I hope this reportand reveals some of step forward local and casts light on these hidden experiences will be an important step forward because it casts light on these hidden experiences and reveals some of step forward problems it casts lightneeds of Somali people acrossand reveals some of the extreme because and urgent on these hidden experiences England. the extreme problems and urgent needs of Somali people across England. the extreme limited amount of published Somali people across England. Despite the problems and urgent needs of research on the Somali community, it is Despite the limited amount of published research on the Somali community, it is Despite the limited amount of published researchcommon Somali community, it is generally agreed that unemployment is a very on the experience for Somali generally agreed that unemployment is a very common experience for Somali generally Among the available studies, the very carried out by London Guildhall migrants. agreed that unemployment is a one common experience for Somali migrants. Among the available studies, the one carried out by London Guildhall migrants. Among the available of Somali the onePeople Livingby CamdenGuildhall University, Needs Assessment studies, Young carried out in London in 2001 University, Needs Assessment of Somali Young People Living in Camden in 2001 University,high levels of unemployment and patterns ofLiving in Camden in 2001 identifies Needs Assessment of Somali Young People long-term unemployment identifies high levels of unemployment and patterns of long-term unemployment identifies high levels of unemployment goes on to presentlong-term unemployment across the Somali population. The study and patterns of the following issues: across the Somali population. The study goes on to present the following issues: across the Somali population. The study goes on to present the following issues: High levels of dependence on state welfare and support High levels of dependence on state welfare and support High levels of dependence on state welfare and support An over-representation of Somalis in manual forms of work and an under An over-representation of Somalis in manual forms of work and an under An over-representation of Somalis in manual forms of work and an underrepresentation in managerial employment; and representation in managerial employment; and representation in managerial employment; and A very limited presence and impact on the local economy as the Somali A very limited presence and impact on the local economy as the Somali A very limited presence and impact on the terms of business the Somali population lacks any extensive economic footprint in local economy as owned and population lacks any extensive economic footprint in terms of business owned and population business establishment owned. footprint in terms of business owned and the size of lacks any extensive economic the size of business establishment owned. the size of business establishment owned. In another study carried out by the Metropolitan University about the Somali In another study carried out by the Metropolitan University about the Somali In anotherEducational Progressby the Metropolitan University unemployment and Childrens study carried out and Life Experiences in the UK about the Somali Childrens Educational Progress and Life Experiences in the UK unemployment and Childrens Educational Progress and Life welfare issues. According to the study, and extreme poverty emerge as major social Experiences in the UK unemployment the extreme poverty emerge as major social welfare issues. According to the study, the extrememale unemployment major social welfare issues. According to the study, the rate of poverty emerge as is put as high as 70%. Overcrowding is also another rate of male unemployment is put as high as 70%. Overcrowding is also another rate of male unemployment is put as high as 70%. Overcrowding is also another
1 Sare, J, Adrift in the UK, The Guardian, 5 June 2008 1 Sare, J, Adrift in the UK, The Guardian, 5 June 2008 1 http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jun/05/immigration.immigrationpolicy

(ii) Literature review (ii) Literature review (ii) Literature review In 2008, Jeremy Sare published

Sare, J, Adrift in the UK, The Guardian, 5 June 2008 http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jun/05/immigration.immigrationpolicy http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jun/05/immigration.immigrationpolicy

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What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face? What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face? What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?

major concern potentially effecting childrens school progress as it can be quite major concern potentially effecting childrens school progress as it can be quite major concern potentially effecting childrens school progress as it can be quite difficult to study in a severely overcrowded house. difficult to study in a severely overcrowded house. difficult to study in a severely overcrowded house. Whenever addressing the needs of Somali communities in England, it is not possible Whenever addressing the needs of Somali communities in England, it is not possible Whenever the wider issues of the Somali communitiesof them would have fled in to ignore addressing the needs of devastation many in England, it is not possible to ignore the wider issues of the devastation many of them would have fled in to ignore It is wider issues of the devastation many of them would haveneed to Somalia. the through their experiences in their home country that we fled in Somalia. It is through their experiences in their home country that we need to Somalia. It is through their experiencesindeed psychological, exist that need to understand the barriers, practical and in their home country that we prevent understand the barriers, practical and indeed psychological, exist that prevent understand the barriers, practical and indeed psychological, exist that prevent Somali women from becoming active citizens. Somali women from becoming active citizens. Somali women from becoming active citizens. The reasons for the lack of culture and social participation of Somalis in 21st The reasons for the lack of culture and social participation of Somalis in 21st The reasons for is, at least in part, subliminal. participation of Somalis in 21st century Britain the lack of culture and social When any group emigrates in century Britain is, at least in part, subliminal. When any group emigrates in century it holds on least in part, subliminal. When any group emigrates in adversity,Britain is, at to cheering images of the old country. However, such is adversity, it holds on to cheering images of the old country. However, such is adversity, it holds physical and structural devastation of Somalia that the is the extreme on to cheering images of the old country. However, such the extreme physical and structural devastation of Somalia that the the extreme physical and structural devastation of Somalia that the memories and longing are for a place which, effectively, no longer exists. memories and longing are for a place which, effectively, no longer exists. memories and psychological a place loss, compounded by the traumatic This underlying longing are forsense ofwhich, effectively, no longer exists. This underlying psychological sense of loss, compounded by the traumatic This underlyingof war, has resulted inof loss, compounded by from active experiences psychological sense a collective withdrawal the traumatic experiences of war, has resulted in a collective withdrawal from active experiences of war, has resulted in a collective withdrawal from active society2. society2. society2.

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ibid ibid ibid

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Amal Mohamed Amal Mohamed Amal Mohamed

on the analysis of questionnaires distributed to Somali The research is based on the analysis of questionnaires distributed to Somali The research is based on the analysis of employed at community organisations women, phone interviews with charity workers questionnaires distributed to Somali women, phone interviews with charity workers employed at community organisations women, phone interviewsfocuscharity workers employed at communitywomen. In the based in Camden and a with group with a small number of Somali organisations based in Camden and a focus group with a small number of Somali women. In the based in Camdenrespondents group with a small numberboxes describing In the and a focus were asked to tick of Somali women. their questionnaires, questionnaires, respondents were asked to tick boxes describing their questionnaires, opinions. The questionnaires were distributed to women living in the circumstances/ respondents were asked to tick boxes describing their circumstances/ opinions. The questionnaires were distributed to women living in the circumstances/ opinions. The questionnaires were distributed to is an easy way the borough of Camden. I decided to use questionnaires as this women living in for borough of Camden. I decided to use questionnaires as this is an easy way for borough of Camden. what is asked of them and what the optionsis an Ieasy pleased people to understand I decided to use questionnaires as this are. was way for people to understand what is asked of them and what the options are. I was pleased people to understand what is asked of research tool because it would then bepleased with the use of the questionnaire as a them and what the options are. I was easy to with the use of the questionnaire as a research tool because it would then be easy to with the use of the questionnaire as a research tool becauserespondents. Ibe easy to replicate the study to obtain feedback from a larger pool of it would then hope that replicate the study to obtain feedback from a larger pool of respondents. I hope that replicate the study more money and support from fellow researchers, thisI study that in the future, with to obtain feedback from a larger pool of respondents. hope can in the future, with more money and support from fellow researchers, this study can in the future, with more money and support from fellow researchers, this study can be expanded to provide more comprehensive results and possibly identify a system be expanded to provide more comprehensive results and possibly identify a system be support Somali women to overcome barriers to employment on a national level to expanded to provide more comprehensive results and possibly identify a system to support Somali women to overcome barriers to employment on a national level to support Somali within the borough of Camden. to employment on a national level rather than locally women to overcome barriers rather than locally within the borough of Camden. rather than locally within the borough of Camden. Another important objective of my study was to identify the support already available Another important objective of my study was to identify the support already available Another important in Camden through local charities and statutory organisations. to Somali women objective of my study was to identify the support already available to Somali women in Camden through local charities and statutory organisations. to Somali women inwere contacted via local charities and whether they work with Local organisations Camden through phone and asked statutory organisations. Local organisations were contacted via phone and asked whether they work with Local organisations were contacted via phone and asked whether they work with Somali women, they provide any specific employment support, their perceptions of Somali women, they provide any specific employment support, their perceptions of Somali women, employment they specific employment support, their perceptions of the barriers to they provide any face and they most effective way to help them the barriers to employment they face and they most effective way to help them the barriers to barriers. I found running and they most effective way to help it was overcome such employment they face telephone interviews rather difficult as them overcome such barriers. I found running telephone interviews rather difficult as it was overcome such get through to the right person andinterviews rather difficult as it take very difficult to barriers. I found running telephone often they would decline to was very difficult to get through to the right person and often they would decline to take very difficult to get my questions. right person and often they would decline to take the time to answer through to the the time to answer my questions. the time to answer my questions. Finally I also used a focus group as a research method to identify respondents Finally I also used a focus group as a research method to identify respondents Finally I also used a focus group as a not be possible through a questionnaire. I perceptions and opinions as this would research method to identify respondents perceptions and opinions as this would not be possible through a questionnaire. I perceptions and opinions as this would not be possible through a questionnaire. I think the questionnaire would have been more successful if fewer questions were think the questionnaire would have been more successful if fewer questions were think the questionnaire were allowedbeen more successful if fewer questions were asked and respondents would have to speak more freely. asked and respondents were allowed to speak more freely. asked and respondents were allowed to speak more freely.

(iii) Methodology (iii) Methodology (iii) research is based Methodology The

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What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face? What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face? What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?

(iv) Ethical Considerations (iv) Ethical Considerations (iv) Ethical Considerations

Employment is a very complex issue and the barriers that prevent Somali women Employment is a very complex issue and the barriers that prevent Somali women Employment work very be highly issue and and barriers that prevent want to women from finding is a can complex sensitive the ones women do not Somali openly from finding work can be highly sensitive and ones women do not want to openly from finding work can be highly sensitiveall respondents understood want they could disclose. It was very important to me that and ones women do not that to openly disclose. It was very important to me that all respondents understood that they could disclose. It was very important to me that all respondentsany point should they could freely choose to take part in the research and leave at understood that they have freely choose to take part in the research and leave at any point should they have freely chooserecruitedpart in the research and leave at any point my proposalhave wished to. I to take participants for the project by presenting should they and wished to. I recruited participants for the project by presenting my proposal and wished to. that any feedback wouldfor thebeen collected anonymouslyproposal and explaining I recruited participants have project by presenting my and used to explaining that any feedback would have been collected anonymously and used to explaining funding of this paper and have been proposal for funding to overcome to inform the that any feedback would possibly a collected anonymously and used to inform the funding of this paper and possibly a proposal for funding to overcome to inform the funding employment for Somali women. improve access to of this paper and possibly a proposal for funding to overcome to improve access to employment for Somali women. improve access to employment for Somali women.

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Amal Mohamed Amal Mohamed Amal Mohamed

Chapter 2: Research findings & Discussions Chapter 2: Research findings & Discussions Chapter 2: Research findings & Discussions
The findings of my study are based on the analysis of 10 questionnaires completed The findings of my study are based on the analysis of 10 questionnaires completed The findings of my recruited as respondents at the of 10 questionnaires completed by Somali women study are based on the analysis Shadow Womens Centre. The by Somali women recruited as respondents at the Shadow Womens Centre. The by Somali women recruited as respondents very much in lineWomens Centre. The finding of my research can be regarded to be at the Shadow with those highlighted finding of my research can be regarded to be very much in line with those highlighted findingstudiesresearch can be regardedreview very much in line withaimed to illustrate in the of my presented in the literary to be above. My research those highlighted in the studies presented in the literary review above. My research aimed to illustrate in the studies presentedfor the literary review Somali My research aimed to illustrate the employment reality in a small group of above. women living in Camden and, the employment reality for a small group of Somali women living in Camden and, the employment their perceived barriers to finding awomenbelievein Camden and, crucially identify reality for a small group of Somali job. I living this is the best crucially identify their perceived barriers to finding a job. I believe this is the best crucially identify their perceived barriers to to increase Somali womens is the best approach to then identify a support system finding a job. I believe this confidence approach to then identify a support system to increase Somali womens confidence approach to then overcome support systemstopping them from obtaining suitable and help them identify a the barriers to increase Somali womens confidence and help them overcome the barriers stopping them from obtaining suitable and help them overcome the barriers stopping them from obtaining suitable employment. employment. employment. The questionnaire confirmed that unemployment is high amongst Somali women, The questionnaire confirmed that unemployment is high amongst Somali women, The out of 10 being currently unemployed (with is being unemployed for women, with 7questionnaire confirmed that unemploymentfive high amongst Somali the past with 7 out of 10 being currently unemployed (with five being unemployed for the past with 5 years andbeingbeing unemployed for the past year). 7unemployed for the past 3 to 7 out of 10 four currently unemployed (with five being respondents also agree 3 to 5 years and four being unemployed for the past year). 7 respondents also agree 3 to 5 years and four is an unemployed for thewomen with 7many commenting that that unemployment being issue for Somali past year). respondents also agree that unemployment is an issue for Somali women with many commenting that that unemployment is haveissue experience and confidence, there is a lack of Somali women dont an any for Somali women with many commenting that Somali women dont have any experience and confidence, there is a lack of Somali towards improving lifeany experience and confidence, trust. The results of interest women dont have conditions, disrespect and loss of there is a lack of interest towards improving life conditions, disrespect and loss of trust. The results of interest towards improvingidentify lack of disrespect andas a barrier toThe results of the questionnaire clearly life conditions, qualifications loss of trust. employment the questionnaire clearly identify lack of qualifications as a barrier to employment the questionnaire clearly of 10 selecting qualificationsof the barrier towhy they are with 10 respondents out identify lack of this as one as a reasons employment with 10 respondents out of 10 selecting this as one of the reasons why they are with 10 respondents out of 10 selecting thisor lack of, the another major barrier unemployed. For 7 respondents English, as one of is reasons why they are unemployed. For 7 respondents English, or lack of, is another major barrier unemployed. For 7 accessing employment.or lack of, is another major barrier preventing them from respondents English, For 6 respondents having children and preventing them from accessing employment. For 6 respondents having children and preventing to childcareaccessing employment. For 6 respondents having children and no access them from was stopping them from looking for a job. no access to childcare was stopping them from looking for a job. no access to childcare was stopping them from looking for a job. I also ran a focus group to gain a better understanding of the individual experience of I also ran a focus group to gain a better understanding of the individual experience of I also ran a focus group to gain afocus group involved 6 Somali women experience of Somali women in Camden. The better understanding of the individual known to me Somali women in Camden. The focus group involved 6 Somali women known to me Somali women inat the Shadow Womens Centre. through my work Camden. The focus group involved 6 Somali women known to me through my work at the Shadow Womens Centre. through my work at the Shadow Womens Centre. The women at the focus group all agreed that lack of skills and limited English are The women at the focus group all agreed that lack of skills and limited English are The women atcausing profound all agreed that lack of skills and limited English are major barriers the focus group social and economic exclusion. Some of the women major barriers causing profound social and economic exclusion. Some of the women major barriers causing profound social and economic exclusion. Some of the women

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What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face? What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face? What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?

commented that they do access the Job centre to receive support. However their commented that they do access the Job centre to receive support. However their commented that they do access the Job centre to receivethe Jobcentre was their feedback on the quality of the support available from support. However not feedback on the quality of the support available from the Jobcentre was not feedback oncommenting that all they do is we just gofrom the Jobcentre was not encouraging the quality of the support available there every week. encouraging commenting that all they do is we just go there every week. encouraging commenting that all they do is we just go there every week. A brainstorming exercise on perceived barriers to employment suggested that the A brainstorming exercise on perceived barriers to employment suggested that the A brainstorming exercise on perceived barriers to women in Camden to face longfollowing are causing a large proportion of Somali employment suggested that the following are causing a large proportion of Somali women in Camden to face longfollowing are causing a large proportion of Somali women in Camden to face longterm unemployment: term unemployment: term unemployment: Language problem and low literacy levels, no skills or training, no experience of Language problem and low literacy levels, no skills or training, no experience of Language problem support inliteracy levels, labour market, volunteering and/or work writing CVs, lack of and low accessing the no skills or training, no experience of writing CVs, lack of support in accessing the labour market, volunteering and/or work writing CVs,no support network, poor understanding of the system and employment placement, lack of support in accessing the labour market, volunteering and/or work placement, no support network, poor understanding of the system and employment placement, noeducation, family obligations, low self-esteem.system and employment process, poor support network, poor understanding of the process, poor education, family obligations, low self-esteem. process, poor education, family obligations, low self-esteem. In the next stage of my research I then focused on identifying what support is In the next stage of my research I then focused on identifying what support is In the next Camden for Somali women wishing to find employment.what support an available in stage of my research I then focused on identifying I completed is available in Camden for Somali women wishing to find employment. I completed an available in Camden for Somali community organisations and charities.completed an online research to identify local women wishing to find employment. I I was able to online research to identify local community organisations and charities. I was able to online research to identifybut only 13 answered when I called.charities. remaining 12 identify 25 organisations local community organisations and For the I was able to identify 25 organisations but only 13 answered when I called. For the remaining 12 identify 25 organisations but only 13 answered when I called. For was remaining 12 organisations, I found that the numbers were not working or there the no answer. I organisations, I found that the numbers were not working or there was no answer. I organisations,mean that organisations may have closed, possibly as a result of cuts fear this may I found that the numbers were not working or there was no answer. I fear this may mean that organisations may have closed, possibly as a result of cuts fear this may mean that organisationsmembers of the community as a result of cuts to funding, depriving very vulnerable may have closed, possibly of very important to funding, depriving very vulnerable members of the community of very important to funding, depriving very vulnerable members of the community of very important support network. support network. support network. Among the 13 organisations contacted only 3 target Somali people exclusively, Among the 13 organisations contacted only 3 target Somali people exclusively, Among the 13additional 7 run projects also target Somali people exclusively, organisations contacted only 3 involving Somali people. The whereas an whereas an additional 7 run projects also involving Somali people. The whereas an staff I talked 7 confirmed that there is a large demand for the services organisations additional to run projects also involving Somali people. The organisations staff I talked to confirmed that there is a large demand for the services organisations staff I talked to confirmed into employment with the for the London they provide to support Somali women that there is a large demandGreater services they provide to support Somali women into employment with the Greater London they provide to support Somali women(GLSCYA) and the Somali Community into employment with the Greater London Somali Community Youth Centre Somali Community Youth Centre (GLSCYA) and the Somali Community Somali Community Youth they work (GLSCYA) and clients respectively. It was Development Trust reporting Centre with 250 and 350 the Somali Community Development Trust reporting they work with 250 and 350 clients respectively. It was Development Trust out how each work with 250takes350very different approach to interesting to find reporting they organisation and a clients respectively. It was interesting to find out how each organisation takes a very different approach to interesting to clients into employment. The GreateraLondon Somali approach to very different Community support their find out how each organisation takes support their clients into employment. The Greater London Somali Community supportCentre clients into employment. The Greater London Somali Community Youth their (GLSCYA) provides volunteering and training support to Somali Youth Centre (GLSCYA) provides volunteering and training support to Somali Youth Centre addition to provides volunteering and training support to Somali communities in (GLSCYA) career advice and support with tasks such as writing their communities in addition to career advice and support with tasks such as writing their communities in addition to career advice and support with tasks such as writing their

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Amal Mohamed Amal Mohamed Amal Mohamed

CVs. Among the organisations working exclusively with Somali communities, The CVs. Among the organisations working exclusively with Somali communities, The CVs. Among the organisations working exclusively with Somali communities, The Somali Community Development Trust supports their clients by helping them access Somali Community Development Trust supports their clients by helping them access Somali Community Development Trust supports their clients by helping them access volunteer opportunities and ESOL classes, providing welfare advice and advice on volunteer opportunities and ESOL classes, providing welfare advice and advice on volunteer opportunities and ESOLworkers at the Somali Communityand advice on interviewing skills. However the classes, providing welfare advice Development interviewing skills. However the workers at the Somali Community Development interviewing skills. However the workers at the Somali Community may not be Trust are not Somali speakers so I am concerned that their servicesDevelopment Trust are not Somali speakers so I am concerned that their services may not be Trust are not Somali large part of the Somali community who still struggle with their easily accessible to a speakers so I am concerned that their services may not be easily accessible to a large part of the Somali community who still struggle with their easily accessible tois large based on feedback collected who stillfocus group when English. This fear a also part of the Somali community at the struggle with their English. This fear is also based on feedback collected at the focus group when English. commented also based support should be available focus group when women This fear is that more on feedback collected at the through culturally women commented that more support should be available through culturally women commented that more support should be available through culturally sensitive environment. The focus groups participants acknowledged that Somali sensitive environment. The focus groups participants acknowledged that Somali sensitive environment.the UKfocus low education and poor or no literacy that Somali women often arrive in The with groups participants acknowledged skills. Such women often arrive in the UK with low education and poor or no literacy skills. Such women often too difficult to overcomeeducation and poor or no literacy skills. Such barriers are arrive in the UK with low especially as many women arrive having barriers are too difficult to overcome especially as many women arrive having barriers are too difficult toremain isolated and vulnerable.women focus groups experienced trauma and overcome especially as many The arrive having experienced trauma and remain isolated and vulnerable. The focus groups experienced agree that it is then almost obvious vulnerable. The focus groups participants trauma and remain isolated and that many women would then participants agree that it is then almost obvious that many women would then participants agree that it is then spite of financial constraints or when women then choose to remain at home, even in almost obvious that many women would may choose to remain at home, even in spite of financial constraints or when women may choose to remain at home, even in spite of financial constraints or when women may become single parents. become single parents. become single parents.

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What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face? What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face? What Barriers to Employment do Somali Women in Camden face?

Jill Rutter, London Metropolitan University (2004) - Somali childrens educational and Jill experiences. life Rutter, London Metropolitan University (2004) - Somali childrens educational and life experiences. life experiences. Harris, H. (2004) The Somali Community in the UK: What we know and how we Harris, H. (2004) The Somali Community in the UK: What we know and how we Harris, http://www.icar.org.uk/?lid=4855 know it H. (2004) The Somali Community in the UK: What we know and how we know it http://www.icar.org.uk/?lid=4855 know it http://www.icar.org.uk/?lid=4855 Community Organisations Forum (COF), Somali organisations needs assessments Community Organisations Forum (COF), Somali organisations needs assessments Community Organisations Forum (COF), Somali organisations needs assessments 2004- Iskaashi Project 2004- Iskaashi Project 2004- Iskaashi Project Ahmed, E. (1991) The Educational and Training Needs of the Somali Community in Ahmed, E. (1991) The Educational and Training Needs of the Somali Community in Ahmed, E. (1991) The Educational and Training Needs of the Somali Community in South Glamorgan, unpublished report Welsh Refugee Council South Glamorgan, unpublished report Welsh Refugee Council South Glamorgan, unpublished report Welsh Refugee Council David J. Griffiths, (2002), Somali and Kurdish Refugees in London New identities David J. Griffiths, (2002), Somali and Kurdish Refugees in London New identities David Diaspora, Ashgate Publishing Limited, Aldershot in London New identities in the J. Griffiths, (2002), Somali and Kurdish Refugees in the Diaspora, Ashgate Publishing Limited, Aldershot in the Diaspora, Ashgate Publishing Limited, Aldershot LaCoST services-HUB Mapping out Somali-led organisations in tower hamlets LaCoST services-HUB Mapping out Somali-led organisations in tower hamlets LaCoST services-HUB Mapping out Somali-led organisations in tower hamlets 2006 2006 2006

Bibliography Bibliography Bibliography Metropolitan University (2004) - Somali childrens educational and Jill Rutter, London

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 Africa Educational Trust and Evelyn Oldfield Unit, 2012 Africa Educational Trust and Evelyn Oldfield Unit, 2012 Africa Educational Trust and Evelyn Oldfield Unit, 2012 Africa EducationalTrust and Evelyn Oldfield Unit, 2012 Africa Educational Trust and and Evelyn Oldfield 2012 Africa Educational Trust and Evelyn Oldfield Unit, 2012 Africa Educational Trust Evelyn Oldfield Unit, 2012